Public Sector's Largest Collective Bargaining Agreement Signed: Historic Gains for 200 Thousand Health Workers

ANKARA - The most comprehensive collective bargaining agreement in the public sector, which concerns approximately 200 thousand health workers, was signed at a ceremony between Öz Sağlık-İş Union, affiliated to the Hak-İş Confederation, and the Turkish Heavy Industry and Service Sector Public Employers' Union (TÜHİS), of which the Ministry of Health is a member. This historic agreement brought significant improvements in the financial, administrative and personal rights of health workers.

High Attendance at Signing Ceremony

The signing ceremony, which took place at TUHIS Headquarters, was well attended by union, ministry and employer union officials. On behalf of Öz Sağlık-İş Union, Hak-İş Vice President and President Devlet Sert, as well as deputy presidents and experts took part in the ceremony. The Ministry of Health was represented by Cihan Kudu, Deputy Director General of Management Services, and other department heads, while TÜHİS was represented by Secretary General Adnan Çiçek and his deputies. This high-level participation once again emphasized the importance of the convention.

President Sert: "A Historic Day"

Speaking at the signing ceremony of the collective bargaining agreement, Öz Sağlık-İş Union President Devlet Sert stated that today is a historic day for health workers and said, "It is extremely valuable for us that the collective bargaining agreement that health workers have been looking forward to is signed here today." Sert drew attention to the sacrifice shown by healthcare workers during and after the pandemic and stated that this contract is a reward for their sweat of their brow. He wished the new period to be beneficial to all working life, especially the devoted health workers.

Significant Improvements in Financial and Administrative Rights

The signed collective bargaining agreement includes important financial and administrative gains for health workers. According to the agreement, the daily wages of nearly 200,000 health workers were raised to 2,117.23 TL, a significant increase, bringing them above 2,000 TL. In addition, work premiums for health workers were also increased for the first time in history, providing an additional contribution to workers' income. In addition to these increases in financial rights, arrangements were made in favor of workers in administrative matters such as job and workplace changes. These improvements will strengthen the working conditions and social rights of health workers.

The contract is expected to improve the quality of life of health workers and contribute to labor peace.