Triumph On the Horizon: Turkish Metal Union's Bursa Branch General Assembly Before MESS Collective Agreement

The Turkish Metal Union (Türk Metal) Bursa Branch held its 2nd Ordinary General Assembly with the participation of President Uysal Altundağ. Altundağ announced the details of the MESS Group Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) draft, prepared with 140,722 members: a demand for a 38.97% wage increase for the first six months. "We set out for victory, we will get our due!" was the rallying cry. Selda Tekman was re-elected as Branch President.

September 27, 2025 – Bursa, Turkey – As Türk Metal, the largest and most powerful union in Turkey’s metal sector, enters a critical phase of collective bargaining, the Bursa Branch 2nd Ordinary General Assembly was held with great enthusiasm. The General Assembly, held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, with the attendance of President Uysal Altundağ, turned into a massive show of strength.

The proceedings began with the election of the Divan (Executive Council), where Altundağ was elected as the Divan Head. This important gathering served as a platform to outline the roadmap for the upcoming MESS Group Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) process and display the organized power of the metal workers.

Altundağ: "I Came to Be One Heart, One Fist"

In his opening speech, President Altundağ emphasized the metal workers' resolve and belief:

"I came here today more enthusiastic, more hopeful than ever. I came here to take strength and morale from you, to be one heart, one fist on the eve of a new journey and a holy struggle... There is nothing Türk Metal cannot overcome. We set out to win again, to get the rightful reward for our labor."

Altundağ proudly stated that Türk Metal's history is filled with victories, gains, and successes.

Unparalleled Union Democracy: The Draft Preparation Process

The President dedicated the most significant part of his speech to the CBA draft preparation process, describing Türk Metal’s methodology as an example of union democracy unparalleled in Turkey and even globally.

This meticulous work, which began in June and lasted for months, was shaped by the opinions of exactly 140,722 Türk Metal members:

1. Broadened Representatives Council (June): Opinions were gathered from representatives and branch presidents from all regions.

2. Scientific Survey of 140,722 Members (July 9-11): A transparent survey was conducted with all members in 196 MESS-affiliated workplaces.

3. Independent Research Confirmation (July 14-18): A second survey was carried out with 10,000 members through an independent research company to verify the findings.

Altundağ stressed that this process ensures the draft represents the sweat and expectations of its members at the highest level.

The Demand at the Table: 38.97% Increase for the First Six Months

Reminding the audience of the outcome of this democratic process, the President announced the main demand for the 2025-2027 CBA period: an average wage increase of 38.97% for the first six months.

Altundağ issued a clear message to the employer union, MESS, with negotiations set to begin on October 13:

"The team at that table is just the visible part of the iceberg. We will sit at that table with the support and strength given by 140,722 metal workers, sworn to take every last penny of our due. Now it is the employers' turn... It is time to pay the price of the labor of the metal workers who break export records and multiply your profits. Now is the time to claim our rights!"

Selda Tekman Secures Trust and Leadership

In the election, which proceeded with a single list, Selda Tekman was re-elected as the Branch President, securing renewed trust.