Leader Büro-Sen Criticizes the Collective Agreement Clause in MoNE: "Consent of the Worker or Forced Migration?"

ANKARA - Leader Büro-Sen President Fatih Demirel reacted strongly to "Article 42" added to the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the Ministry of National Education (MoNE), which threatens the rights of workers. Demirel stated that this article puts great pressure on workers' right to life, union rights and especially on women workers.

"What Does the Scandalous Article Say?"

Paragraph 3 of Article 42 of the contract makes the permanent transfer of workers to workplaces outside the provincial or district borders of the same employer subject to "written consent" and states that "the employer may terminate the employment contracts of those who do not consent to permanent transfer with notice". This article authorizes the employer to terminate the employment contract if the employee does not accept the relocation.

"Great Threat to Workers"

Fatih Demirel emphasized that this regulation poses a great threat to workers. The article has the potential to disrupt workers' social ties, family order and living space. Moreover, the threat of dismissal for refusing to relocate weakens union organizing and puts constant pressure on women workers who have more family responsibilities.

"This Article is an Attack on the Labor, Family and Dignity of the Worker"

Leader Büro-Sen President Fatih Demirel criticized the article, saying: "A collective bargaining agreement exists to protect workers, not to threaten them. This article is an attack on the labor, family, life and dignity of the worker. The Ministry of National Education should immediately reverse this misstep."

Demirel stated that the purpose of collective bargaining agreements is to empower workers, not to give employers an excuse to fire them. If this article remains in force, he said, thousands of workers will be caught between "forced migration" and "dismissal."