Turkish Metal Union Istanbul Anatolian Side Branch Holds 6th Ordinary General Assembly

ISTANBUL – The 6th Ordinary General Assembly of the Turkish Metal Union’s Istanbul Anatolian Side Branch was held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, with the participation of Chairman Uysal Altundağ. During the General Assembly, Chairman Altundağ emphasized unity, resilience, and organized power to metal workers regarding the upcoming MESS Group Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) process, expressing his belief that they would emerge victorious from the tough struggle.

Altundağ: "Turkish Metal's Glorious History Is Full of Victories"

Delivering the opening speech as the Chairman of the Council, General Chairman Uysal Altundağ saluted the union's founders and metal workers. Altundağ stated that they have the duty to carry the Turkish Metal flag higher, asserting that Turkish Metal members are the lions behind the success of the country's industry.

Altundağ stated that the enthusiasm and excitement he received from the participants gave him strength on the eve of the holy struggle ahead:

“The Turkish Metal Union, which represents production, labor, and the organized power of the metal worker, has nothing, absolutely nothing, that it cannot succeed in or overcome. That is why Turkish Metal is great. That is why Turkish Metal is strong. That is why the glorious history of Turkish Metal is full of victories, gains, and successes.”

CBA Draft: A Unique Example of Union Democracy

Chairman Altundağ underscored that the draft prepared for the MESS Group CBA process, based on transparency and scientific methods, is a product of a unique union democracy unseen in Turkey.

Altundağ detailed the draft preparation process, noting that the most up-to-date demands were collected through meetings (Expanded Representatives Council, Board of Presidents, branch representatives councils) starting in June, and surveys applied to 140,722 members by the Union’s research center and an independent research company.

38.97 Percent Wage Demand to MESS

Altundağ reminded that they are demanding an average wage increase of 38.97 percent for the first six months in the Turkish Metal-MESS Group CBA draft. He announced that the first session with MESS was held on October 13, 2025, and the 60-day legal period had begun. Altundağ stated that the negotiating team is backed by the power of 140,722 metal workers:

“We will sit at that table, swearing to take every last penny with the power given to us by the support of 140,722 metal workers. Have no doubt about that. Now it is the turn of our employers... Now it is the turn of MESS... Now it is time to pay the price of the labor of metal workers who break export records, make businesses champions, and increase your profits. Now is the time to get this compensation, now is the time to get our rights…”

Special Emphasis on Women and Young Members

Altundağ announced that the union will focus on two key areas in the new term:

1. Women Members: Increasing the activity of women's branches and developing a new model, noting the growing number of women members who lead the struggle.

2. Young Workers: Increasing the training of young members, and raising a new, well-equipped, knowledgeable, and brave Turkish Metal generation within the Turkish Metal Academy.

It was also shared that 3,316 members from the Istanbul Anatolian Side Branch have benefited from the union's five-star social facilities in Turkey's most beautiful regions over the last four years, reflecting Turkish Metal’s social unionism approach.

New Management Determined

In the election held with a single list:

• Branch Presidency: Serkan Gül

• Branch Secretary: Hasan Bahçeci

• Branch Finance Secretary: Ebubekir Türk

• Branch Organizing Secretary: Aslan Ali Baş

• Branch Education Secretary: Ahmet Ateş

were elected, and the new management took office.