Türk Metal Union Biga Branch Holds 5th Ordinary General Assembly

Biga – The 5th Ordinary General Assembly of the Türk Metal Union Biga 1st Branch convened on Saturday, July 26, 2025, with the participation of Deputy Chairman Yusuf Ziya Odabaş and General Secretary Taliphan Kıymaz. The assembly, held to elect new leadership and address critical issues facing metalworkers, underscored the union's commitment to strengthening worker rights and ensuring a secure future amidst challenging economic conditions.

General Assembly Commences with Leadership Affirmation

The General Assembly began with the formation of the Divan Committee, which was tasked with overseeing the proceedings. General Secretary Taliphan Kıymaz was elected as the Divan Chairman. Nedim Veske, Balıkesir Branch Chairman, and Caner Alözkan, Çorlu Branch Chairman, served as Deputy Divan Chairmen. Yaşar Karataş, a delegate from the İÇDAŞ workplace, and Serpil Alınmaz, a delegate from the Demma workplace, were appointed as Divan Clerks. This diverse representation on the Divan highlighted the inclusive nature of the assembly.

Deputy Chairman Odabaş Emphasizes the Imperative of Organizing

In his opening address, Deputy Chairman Yusuf Ziya Odabaş conveyed the greetings, love, and solidarity of General Chairman Uysal Altundağ. Odabaş proudly stated that Türk Metal Union is Turkey's largest labor organization, emphasizing that this growth was not achieved easily. He highlighted the persistent difficulties in organizing within the country, citing the struggles of Demma workers who recently joined the Türk Metal family after years of relentless effort.

"Unfortunately, the organizing process in our country is never easy. Look, we have Demma laborers here who joined our family after years of struggle. They know how difficult this process is. They personally experienced how arduous this process is. Yes, organizing and fighting for labor to achieve the value it deserves is truly difficult. But is this a major obstacle for us? Will this stop us? Of course not… We will continue to fight for the working class. We will resolutely continue this struggle. Because we must organize for job security. We must organize to eliminate uncertainties. We must organize to build the future," Odabaş passionately declared.

Odabaş further stressed that the heavy burden imposed on laborers by economic crises, wars, and inflation can only be overcome by standing shoulder to shoulder, organizing, and strengthening solidarity. He reiterated General Chairman Altundağ's particular emphasis that organizing must be a primary goal for all members.

Türk Metal's Holistic Approach to Unionism: Education and Social Support

Highlighting Türk Metal Union's pioneering role in the labor movement, Odabaş spoke about the union's direct impact on members' lives through investments and social activities. He specifically pointed to the union's unique approach to union education.

"Our union training programs are signature applications of Türk Metal and are veritable turning points in the union movement. We have once again demonstrated this unparalleled importance we place on union education to all of Turkey. In the process of transformation in industrial relations, we desired our members to lead this change. So that our members could deeply grasp new-generation unionism, the dynamics of changing working life, and social transformations, and so that our cadres would be knowledgeable, well-equipped, and ready for the future, we established the Türk Metal Academy last year under the leadership and initiative of our General Chairman. Moreover, we ensured that not only our members but also their families participated in our social and cultural activities. We organized training sessions for their spouses and children so that they could benefit from our union's services. This is why we can confidently and proudly say that we are a union that adds value to the lives of our members. We are fighting not just for wage negotiations, but for our members to lead a happy life with their families," Odabaş affirmed, drawing enthusiastic applause.

Odabaş concluded his speech by touching upon the preparations for the upcoming Group Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations with the employer union MESS, representing over 140,000 metalworker members.

Guest Speakers and Activity Report Approval

Following Deputy Chairman Yusuf Ziya Odabaş's address, Biga Mayor Alper Şen, İÇDAŞ Human Resources Manager Cengiz Kalkan, and DEMMA Workplace Chief Advisor Cem Esenoğlu delivered welcoming speeches, extending their best wishes to the general assembly delegates.

Subsequently, the Activity Report of the Biga 1st Branch was unanimously approved by the general assembly delegates. During this segment, Rümeysa Yaren Çakır from DEMMA workplace and Emre Özdemir from İÇDAŞ workplace took the floor to share their insights.

Distinguished Guests and New Leadership Elected

Among the esteemed guests attending the General Assembly were Ruhi Biçer, TÜRK-İŞ Bursa 8th Regional President; Fuat Erkan Tekin, İÇDAŞ Workplace Steel Facilities Director; Serdar Özçelik, Personnel and Administrative Affairs Chief; Can Temürtürkan, Demma Workplace Factory Manager; Ali Katman, Değirmencik Union President; Ergün Erkap, Biga City Council President; along with representatives from political parties and non-governmental organizations.

In the elections, conducted with a single list of candidates, the new leadership of the Biga 1st Branch was determined as follows:

• Branch Chairman: Hakan Baytur

• Branch Secretary: Muhammed Kavlak

• Branch Financial Secretary: Aykut Demircan

• Branch Organizing Secretary: İlyas Gür

• Branch Education Secretary: Mustafa Gündoğdu

The successful conclusion of the 5th Ordinary General Assembly marks a new chapter for Türk Metal Union's Biga 1st Branch, reinforcing its dedication to its members' well-being and the broader labor movement.