Turkish Metal Union Istanbul Anatolian Side Branch 6th Ordinary General Assembly was held

ISTANBUL - The 6th Ordinary General Assembly of the Istanbul Anatolian Side Branch of the Turkish Metal Union was held on Saturday, October 18, 2025 with the participation of General President Uysal Altundağ. At the General Assembly, General President Altundağ emphasized the unity, resistance and organization of metal workers regarding the upcoming MESS Group Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) process and expressed his belief that they will emerge victorious from the difficult struggle.

Altundağ: "The Glorious History of Türk Metal is Full of Victories"

General President Uysal Altundağ, who assumed the presidency of the Assembly, sent greetings to the founders of the union and metal workers in his opening speech. Stating that they have the duty to carry the flag of Türk Metal higher, Altundağ said that Türk Metal members are the lions behind the success of the country's industry.

Altundağ stated that the enthusiasm and excitement he received from the participants gave him strength on the eve of the holy struggle ahead:

"There is nothing, and I mean nothing, that Türk Metal, which represents production, labor and the organized power of metal workers, cannot achieve and overcome. That is why Türk Metal is great. That is why Türk Metal is strong. Therefore, the glorious history of Türk Metal is full of victories, achievements and successes.".

Draft CBA: A Unique Example of Trade Union Democracy

General President Altundağ emphasized that the draft works prepared for the MESS Group CBA process are based on transparency and scientific methods, a product of union democracy that is unprecedented in Turkey.

Explaining the draft preparation process in detail, Altundağ said that starting in June, the most up-to-date demands were collected through the Expanded Representatives Assembly, Presidents' Council meetings, branch representatives' assemblies, surveys conducted by the union's research center and an independent research company on 140,722 members.

MESS offered 38.97 percent raise

Reminding that they demanded an average increase of 38.97 percent for the first six months in the Turkish Metal-MESS Group CBA draft, Altundağ announced that the first session with MESS was held on October 13, 2025 and the 60-day legal process started. Stating that behind the delegation sitting at the table is the power of 140,722 metal workers, Altundağ said:

"We will sit at that table with the power given to us by the support of 140,722 metal workers, swearing to take every last dime from the table. You can have no doubt about this. Now it is the turn of our employers... Now it is the turn of MESS... Now it is the turn of MESS... Now it is the turn of MESS to pay for the sweat and sweat of the metal workers who make you break export records, make your companies champions, add profit to your profits. Now is the time to get this response, now is the time to get our rights..."

Special Emphasis on Women and Young Members

Altundağ announced that the union will emphasize two issues in its new term work:

1. Women Members: Noting that the number of women members has increased and that they are at the forefront of the struggle processes, increasing the activity of women's branches and developing a new model.

2. Young Workers: To increase the education of young members, to raise a new generation of equipped, knowledgeable, courageous Turkish Metal generation within the Türk Metal Academy.

The General Assembly also shared the information that 3,316 members of the Istanbul Anatolian Side Branch have benefited from the five-star social facilities in the most beautiful resorts of Turkey, which Türk Metal offers to its members with its social unionism approach.

New Management Named

In the elections with a single list;

• Branch President: Serkan Gül

• Branch Secretary: Hasan Bahçeci

• Branch Financial Secretary: Ebubekir Türk

• Secretary of Branch Organization: Aslan Ali Baş

• Branch Education Secretary: Ahmet Ateş

new management was elected and the new administration took office.