The 4th Ordinary General Assembly of Van Branch of Koop-Is Union was held with enthusiasm: Emphasis on Organization and Struggle

Koop-İş Union Van Branch completed its 4th Ordinary General Assembly, an important turning point in the history of the union, with a wide participation and great enthusiasm. At the general assembly, the achievements of the union struggle, current economic difficulties and Koop-İş's investment targets for the future were discussed.

High Level Engagement and Strong Messages

The general assembly in Van was attended by important figures of the trade union movement and the TÜRK-İŞ confederation. The ceremony was fully attended by TÜRK-İŞ Vice President and President of Koop-İş Union Eyüp Alemdar, General Secretary Metin Güney, General Financial Secretary Osman Aksoy and General Organization and Training Secretary Murat Türkekul. Also present were Salih Çalımlı, Provincial President of TÜRK-İŞ, Ankara No. 1 and 2, Trabzon, Malatya, Erzurum and İzmir branch presidents of Koop-İş, Van Branch Presidents of other unions in the region (Sağlık-İş, Güvenlik-İş, Tes-İş, Toleyis) and Orhan Karakaş, branch manager from the Ministry of National Education. This broad participation was a strong indicator of union solidarity and unity.

Call for Unity and Solidarity from Branch President Özbek

Making the opening speech of the general assembly, Koop-İş Van Branch President Ayhan Özbek greeted the guests and delegates and emphasized unity, solidarity and common sense in his speech. Stating that Van Branch has achieved significant gains for its members as a result of successful organizing moves, Özbek said, "Our main responsibility is to protect the labor of our members and to improve their living conditions. We will continue to work to carry this honorable flag stronger into the future. I hope that our general assembly will strengthen our solidarity and increase our determination to struggle."

Public Contract, Strike and Tax Justice Statements from General President Alemdar

Taking the floor after Ayhan Özbek, TÜRK-İŞ Vice President and Koop-İş Union President Eyüp Alemdar gave striking messages on current union and economic developments.

Zorlu Public Framework Protocol Process

Alemdar stated that the Public Sector Framework Protocol signed on August 2, 2025 was signed at the end of a difficult negotiation process. He stated that thanks to the determined action plan of TÜRK-İŞ, a result was obtained from the table despite the withdrawal of the first offer, and that the contracts in 74 workplaces where Koop-İş is organized in the public sector have been completed. He also noted that negotiations are ongoing with Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz to improve the base wages of members.

SYDV Strike Ends in Victory

General President Alemdar also touched upon the struggle for the rights of approximately 9 thousand workers working in Social Assistance and Solidarity Foundations (SYDV) affiliated to the Ministry of Family and Social Services. He described as a "victory" that the 5-day strike, which was initiated in 1003 foundations across the country upon the non-implementation of the framework protocol, with a participation rate of over 95 percent, ended with the acceptance of the demands. Alemdar, who said that SYDV employees are the "white of the face", announced that the collective labor agreement was signed last Thursday thanks to the disciplined stance and cohesion.

The Call for a Fair Tax System and the Success of Organizing

Alemdar, who also brought the issue of tax justice to the agenda, stated that the tax burden of laborers is very heavy and criticized, "We work 12 months a year, we receive 10.5 months of wages."Reiterating their demand for a fair tax system within the framework of the principle of "More tax from those who earn more, less tax from those who earn less", Alemdar underlined that union actions will continue on this issue.