International Metalworkers Convene in Ankara: UAMİF's 59th Central Committee Addresses Global Challenges and Messages of Unity

UAMİF's 59th Central Committee, led by Uysal Altundağ, gathered in Ankara. The summit, attended by Minister Vedat Işıkhan, discussed global economic challenges, emphasized peace, and highlighted worker solidarity.

An important summit took place in Ankara: The International Eurasian Metalworkers Federation (UAMİF), under the leadership of Uysal Altundağ, convened its 59th Central Committee meeting with the participation of Minister of Labor and Social Security, Prof. Dr. Vedat Işıkhan.

The International Eurasian Metalworkers Federation (UAMİF), a significant representative of the international labor movement, held its 59th Central Committee meeting in Ankara on Monday, May 19, 2025. The meeting, chaired by UAMİF and Türk Metal Union General Chairman Uysal Altundağ, was attended by Prof. Dr. Vedat Işıkhan, Minister of Labor and Social Security, who met with the international delegation.

Minister Işıkhan Emphasizes Cooperation and Common Purpose

In the opening part of the meeting, Minister Işıkhan met individually with the Central Committee members. In his speech, he drew attention to Türkiye's strong diplomatic relations, stating that our country has established and continues to establish robust partnerships in many areas such as trade, investment, education, culture, security, and military cooperation with every country with which it develops sincere relations. Continuing his speech, Minister Işıkhan emphasized that in the labor struggle, unionists and other actors of working life serve the same purpose:

"You continue bilateral cooperation in all channels, from education to experience transfer, to international union cooperation."

Minister Işıkhan conveyed his success and good wishes for the Federation's activities before departing from the meeting.

General Chairman Altundağ on Peace, Solidarity, and Global Economic Assessment

Following Minister Işıkhan's departure, UAMİF and Türk Metal General Chairman Uysal Altundağ delivered the opening speech of the meeting. Beginning his address by quoting the great Turkish thinker Mevlana, who said, "Distinguish peace from war, for war is not good," Altundağ stressed that humanity's primary duty is to establish peace throughout the world, exalt brotherhood, and live together in peace and prosperity.

Altundağ noted that despite wishing for peace and brotherhood at this meeting, unfortunately, our world is witnessing many wars and internal conflicts. He continued, stating that "developments in global trade naturally affected the economies of countries and, consequently, their people, especially laborers. Due to export contraction, the risk of industrial production and employment coming under pressure increased. Employers began to voice demands for lower wages and more flexible working conditions due to rising costs. As a result, although the comprehensive and high tariffs applied by the US stimulated domestic production in some sectors in the short term, they generally led to a contraction in global trade, a slowdown in economic growth, and increased pressure on laborers. The long-term effects of these policies carry uncertainties for all world economies."

General Chairman Altundağ emphasized that the International Eurasian Metalworkers Federation is the largest and strongest example of international class solidarity in the Eurasian geography. He stated that thanks to their unity for over 30 years, peace and brotherhood among the working class are developing day by day. General Chairman Altundağ concluded his speech by touching upon the Federation's activities since the previous Central Committee meeting and the work of Türk Metal Union.

Following General Chairman Uysal Altundağ's opening speech, the Central Committee members provided comprehensive statements and evaluations regarding the Federation's current activities and their union activities in their respective countries. The meeting successfully concluded after discussing the agenda items.