Turkish Metal Union Makes Historic Offer to MESS: Demands 38.97% Wage Hike for First Six Months

ANKARA – Türk Metal Union, one of Turkey's largest labor unions, has unveiled a historic proposal ahead of the 2025-2027 Group Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations with the Metal Industrialists' Union of Turkey (MESS). The union is demanding an average 38.97% wage increase for the first six months. During an expanded delegates' council meeting in Ankara on September 4, 2025, General President Uysal Altundağ presented the draft, which he described as the product of a "union democracy" process unprecedented in labor history.

Altundağ emphasized that the draft was not merely a management decision but the result of a meticulous process involving surveys of all 140,722 members, studies by independent research firms, and delegates' council meetings. This rigorous approach, he said, ensures that the demands are grounded in solid and realistic foundations.

Details of the Demands

According to the announced draft, the union is proposing a two-phase wage increase formula for the first six months:

• First, a 20% increase to the hourly wages of all members, effective September 1, 2025.

• Following this, an additional 35 Turkish Lira fixed increase to all members' hourly wages.

As a result of these two increases, the average wage demand for the first six months is set at 35.2%. The draft also includes clear demands for subsequent periods:

• For the second six months: A wage increase equal to the six-month inflation rate.

• For the third six months: An increase based on the six-month inflation rate plus an additional 3 percentage points.

• For the fourth and final six months: An increase equal to the inflation rate.

High-Rate Increases for Social Benefits

The draft also places significant importance on social benefits. The union is demanding a 65% annual increase for benefits such as Ramadan Bayram assistance, education, and heating aid, and an 80% annual increase for Kurban Bayram assistance. These increases bring the total demanded wage hike for the first six months to an average of 38.97%.

New Gains on the Horizon

In addition to protecting existing rights, Türk Metal is demanding new gains for its members, including:

• Extending the Complementary Health Insurance to cover members' spouses.

• A 200% premium for wages on national and religious holidays and eves of holidays.

• Raising the night shift bonus to 20%.

• One day of paid leave for workers to accompany immediate family members who are hospitalized.

Altundağ concluded his speech by emphasizing that the draft is entrusted to the 140,722 members, and he expressed confidence that the union will once again sign the best collective agreement in the sector.