Turkish Metal Union Delegation Strengthens Friendship and Labor Cooperation in Uzbekistan

Tashkent, Uzbekistan – A high-level delegation from the Turkish Metal Union (Türk Metal Sendikası) conducted a significant visit to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, between July 25-27, as special guests of the Uzbekistan Trade Unions Federation. The visit not only included participation in the Friendship Festival organized by the Union of Trade Unions of Turkic States Organization but also featured productive consultations aimed at deepening union relations and sharing mutual experiences. This visit is expected to further strengthen the bonds of unity and brotherhood within the Turkic world's labor movement.

Courtesy Visit to Federation President and Greetings Messages

The first stop on the visit program was a meeting with Kudratulla Rafikov, President of the Uzbekistan Trade Unions Federation and Honorary President of the Union of Trade Unions of Turkic States Organization. The Türk Metal delegation paid a courtesy visit to Rafikov, conveying the sincere greetings and messages of friendship from Türk Metal Union President Uysal Altundağ. During this meeting, discussions focused on maintaining the existing strong relations between the two trade union structures and exploring future cooperation potentials. The importance of dialogue and solidarity between unions for regional development and workers' rights was highlighted.

Consultations with Uzbekistan Metallurgy and Machine Industry Workers' Union

Following the meeting with Kudratulla Rafikov, the Türk Metal delegation proceeded to the General Headquarters of the Uzbekistan Metallurgy and Machine Industry Workers' Union, a member of the International Eurasian Metalworkers' Federation (UAMİF). There, they met with Talat Usmanov, who was recently elected as the General President. Türk Metal Union President Uysal Altundağ's congratulations and messages of trade union solidarity were conveyed to their newly elected Uzbek counterparts.

During the meeting, detailed mutual consultations were held on current developments in the metallurgy and machine industry sectors represented by both unions, as well as workers' rights, working conditions, and trade union organizing models. Special emphasis was placed on the impact of technological transformation in industry on workers and the role unions can play in this process. Both sides agreed to undertake joint projects and continue sharing experiences in the future.

Cultural Bridges Built at the Friendship Festival: ORHOT Receives Great Acclaim

In addition to trade union discussions, the Türk Metal delegation also actively participated in the Friendship Festival and cultural events organized by the Union of Trade Unions of Turkic States Organization. One of the most striking moments of the festival was the magnificent performance by ORHOT, a folk dance group consisting of members from Türk Metal Union's OYAK Renault and OYAK Horse workplaces.

ORHOT's performance, which reflected the richness and diversity of Turkish culture, received great appreciation from festival participants and the local community. The folk dance group contributed to cultural diplomacy by strengthening the brotherhood and cultural rapprochement within the Turkic world through a visual feast. It was emphasized that such events serve not only to enhance trade union relations but also to strengthen social and cultural ties between peoples.

Delegation and Return

The Uzbekistan visit program included Türk Metal Union Deputy General President Mesut Erdem, International Eurasian Metalworkers' Federation (UAMİF) Deputy General Secretary Turajon Raupov, and Bursa Emek Branch President Zafer Bozok. The delegation, accompanied by the folk dance group consisting of members working at Oyak Renault and Oyak Horse workplaces, successfully completed its contacts in Tashkent and returned to Turkey. The visit is stated to have increased Türk Metal Union's international effectiveness and reinforced its leading role in the Turkic world's trade union movement.