Turkish Trade Unions Make Their Mark in Geneva: Presence at Both the Table and the Field

GENEVA – The 113th International Labour Conference, organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva, Switzerland, witnessed active participation from Turkish trade unions in global labor rights and humanitarian crises. HAK-İŞ President Mahmut Arslan engaged in extensive diplomatic efforts, while various unions, including Türkiye Kamu-Sen, led a solidarity demonstration for Palestine in front of the United Nations headquarters.

HAK-İŞ’s Multifaceted Trade Union Diplomacy and International Solidarity

HAK-İŞ Confederation President Mahmut Arslan continued his diplomatic engagements in Geneva, meeting with key trade union representatives from different continents, including:

• South Africa’s Fedusa Confederation
• Iraq’s GFTU Confederation
• Palestine’s PGFTU Confederation

One of Arslan’s most notable meetings was with Maria Helene Andre, head of the ILO ACTRAV Workers’ Group, where they discussed critical labor issues in Turkey, including working conditions for Syrian migrants, combating informal employment, and organizing domestic workers.

Additionally, Arslan participated in an international protest condemning the military coup and trade union rights violations in Myanmar, reaffirming his commitment to universal trade union freedoms.

United for Palestine: Turkish Delegation’s Strong Message at the UN

One of the most powerful moments of the conference took place in front of the Broken Chair monument at the UN headquarters in Geneva. Led by HAK-İŞ and Türkiye Kamu-Sen, Turkish trade unions and labor organizations staged a “Free Palestine” solidarity demonstration, drawing attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The protest was attended by key figures, including Minister of Labor and Social Security Prof. Dr. Vedat Işıkhan, Memur-Sen President Ali Yalçın, and Vice President Hamza Öksüz, who reinforced their messages of solidarity with the Palestinian people.

In a joint statement, the demonstrators strongly condemned Israel’s systematic oppression and genocide policies in Gaza, calling for an immediate end to civilian massacres and violations of international law.

Turkish trade unions reaffirmed their commitment to justice, stating:
"We will continue to stand for rights and fairness until children in East Turkestan, Gaza, and Crimea can live freely."

The active role of Turkish trade unions at the ILO Conference highlights their influence not only in labor rights but also in advocating for universal human rights and justice.