General Assembly of Koop-Is Istanbul Branch No. 2 convened with enthusiasm: Victory of SYDV and New Investments Emphasized by Eyüp Alemdar

ISTANBUL - Istanbul Branch No. 2 of Koop-Is Union held its 2nd Ordinary General Assembly with a wide participation with messages of unity and solidarity in the union struggle. The General Assembly was attended by TÜRK-İŞ Vice President and Koop-İş President Eyüp Alemdar, as well as many headquarters executives and branch presidents from TÜRK-İŞ and different unions.

Syndical Leaders Attend

The Koop-İş General Assembly in Istanbul attracted great interest from within and outside the union. Koop-İş General Secretary Metin Güney, General Financial Secretary Osman Aksoy, General Organization and Training Secretary Murat Türkekul, TÜRK-İŞ Istanbul Regional President Adnan Uyar and 15 Koop-İş Branch Presidents from different provinces attended the meeting. Istanbul, Gebze and Marmara regional executives of Toleyis, Basın-İş, Dok Gemi-İş, Bass, Tümtis, Tes-İş, Türk Metal and Belediye-İş unions also took part in the General Assembly.

Şahin Kaya: We Will Carry the Flag to a Stronger Future

Speaking at the opening of the General Assembly, Şahin Kaya, President of Koop-İş Istanbul Branch No. 2, addressed the delegates and called for unity, solidarity and common sense. Emphasizing the gains the branch has achieved with its organizational success, Kaya said, "Our priority is to protect the labor of our members and to grow a humane life. We will work until we carry this honorable flag to a stronger tomorrow."

General President Alemdar Emphasizes Public CBA and Strike Victory

TÜRK-İŞ Vice President and Koop-İş President Eyüp Alemdar emphasized in his speech that the General Assembly is "a democracy square" and once again gave a message of unity. In his speech, Alemdar focused on the current union struggle and achievements:

• Public CBA Success: Alemdar reminded that in the difficult public collective bargaining negotiations, despite critical moments when the offer was withdrawn, the Public Framework Protocol was signed on August 2, 2025 thanks to the union's determination.

• SYDV Victory: The Ministry of Family and Social Services announced that the 5-day strike against the non-implementation of the protocol in the Social Assistance and Solidarity Foundations (SYDV) of the Ministry of Family and Social Services resulted in a "victory" with more than 95% participation and that the CBA was signed last Thursday with the acceptance of the demands.

AVM Workers Called to Organize and Promised Wages

Opening a separate chapter on organization, Alemdar cited the example of Istanbul Branch No. 2, which increased its membership from 4,000 to over 8,000. Stating that over 10 thousand new members have been gained with the move carried out in the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Alemdar explained the new target in the private sector as the vision of expanding the existing structure in Istanbul and moving to the third branch structure.

Particularly drawing attention to the difficult conditions of shopping mall workers, the General President emphasized that must be organized in stores. Alemdar said, "We will work with all our strength to improve both the working conditions and wages of shopping center employees. We will sign contracts that will satisfy you not only in terms of working conditions but also in terms of your wages."

Fair Taxes, Self-determination and Investment Promotion

General President Alemdar reiterated the injustice of tax injustice, which means a 1.5-month deduction from laborers' salaries per year, and reiterated the demand for "More tax from those who earn more, less tax from those who earn less". Alemdar also announced the union's investment moves to increase the welfare of its members:

• New Headquarters: It was announced that a modern headquarters was planned by purchasing a 6 thousand square meter building in Ankara.

• BUEM Hotel: It was stated that the 6-storey, 59-room BUEM Hotel in Altunizade, Istanbul was purchased and members will be accommodated there under favorable conditions.

• Five Star Hotel Target: He announced that they are targeting the purchase of a five-star hotel in the tourism region.

In his speech, he reminded the impact of the union's initiatives on issues such as the abolition of the compulsory retirement practice for subcontractors with the EYT regulation and the increase of the working period in the Ministry of National Education to 11 months and 29 days.

After the speeches, the General Assembly was completed with the voting for the election of new members of the board of directors, supervisory and disciplinary boards.