Türk Tarım Orman-Sen's Critical Visit to Minister Yumaklı: Public Employees' Issues and Collective Bargaining on the Agenda

ANKARA – The General Headquarters Management Board of Türk Tarım Orman-Sen paid a visit to the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Mr. İbrahim Yumaklı, at his office on June 17, 2025. The delegation, led by General President Ahmet Demirci, not only expressed gratitude for the Ministry's achievements but also presented a comprehensive report detailing institutional and personal problems faced by public employees within their service branch, along with proposed solutions. Mr. Seyfullah Arslantürk, the General Manager of Ministry Personnel, was also present during the visit.

Gratitude Extended to Minister Yumaklı for Council Works and Food Supply Efforts

At the outset of the meeting, General President Ahmet Demirci conveyed the Union's appreciation to Minister Yumaklı for his resolute and productive coordination regarding the 4th Agriculture and Forestry Council activities, in which the Union actively participated and supported. Demirci stated that the Union would continue to provide all kinds of support for the resolution of issues outlined in the Council's final declaration, which emerged from long-term efforts, in the short, medium, and long terms.

Furthermore, it was noted that the Union is closely monitoring and supporting the Ministry's precautionary preparations for potential forest fires that may arise with the approaching summer season. Special thanks were also extended to the Minister for the robust measures taken concerning the supply of small and large livestock for the past Eid al-Adha, as well as for the diligent efforts shown in ensuring the overall food supply across the country.

Comprehensive Report Submitted: Personnel Rights and Institutional Problems Discussed

The Türk Tarım Orman-Sen delegation presented a detailed report to Minister Yumaklı, outlining institutional problems and issues related to personnel rights and legal matters identified by the Union within the Ministry's central and provincial organizations, as well as in the central and provincial structures of its affiliated institutions (TİGEM, TMO, Meat and Milk Board, AOÇ, TKDK). The main topics addressed and solutions proposed in the report included:

• Personnel Rights and Working Conditions: Deficiencies in the application of protective clothing and equipment, shortcomings in promotion and title change processes, and injustices in additional payments for production, control, and supervision services.
• Staffing and Appointments: Addressing personnel shortages, ensuring transparency and meritocracy in management appointments, and problems with assignment and relocation (periodic transfers) and rotation practices.
• Violence in the Workplace: Measures to be taken to prevent incidents of violence in public service.
• Specific Issues in the Forest Organization: Problems encountered in business marketing issues, and administrative, technical, and personnel number-related problems in combating forest fires.
• General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks: Problems arising from the existing institutional structure.
• Affiliated Institutions (TİGEM, TMO, Meat and Milk Board, AOÇ, TKDK): Institutional problems, as well as administrative, economic, and social problems faced by employees.

These issues were presented both verbally and in written report form to the Minister.

Minister Yumaklı Delivers Positive Messages and Pledges Support for Collective Bargaining

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Mr. İbrahim Yumaklı, responded to the Union delegation's views and suggestions with a comprehensive evaluation. Minister Yumaklı emphasized that the Union's support, views, and suggestions during the Agriculture and Forestry Council process and in the execution of the Ministry's activities were highly valuable, and that they had benefited from these suggestions. Highlighting the very productive communication between Türk Tarım Orman-Sen and the Ministry, the Minister conveyed his thanks to the General Headquarters Management, and all Branch Managements and Representatives.

Minister Yumaklı stated that all the issues presented are being meticulously examined by the Ministry and that they are working on these matters. He stressed that every valuable view and suggestion is being and will continue to be taken into account in the Ministry's actions.

Most importantly, Minister Yumaklı delivered good news regarding the upcoming collective bargaining process. The Minister explicitly stated that the Ministry would support any proposal that the union puts forward at the collective bargaining table for public employees in their service branch.

The General Headquarters of Türk Tarım Orman-Sen expressed their gratitude to Minister Yumaklı for his close attention and sincerity, conveying their expectations for continued close cooperation in the upcoming period. The Union also extended its thanks to Mr. Seyfullah Arslantürk, the General Manager of Ministry Personnel, for his positive technical contributions regarding the demands related to personnel shortage and the economic and social problems of the personnel. This visit was recorded as an important step towards improving the rights and working conditions of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry employees.