Türk Metal and MESS at the Table: 2025-2027 CBA Negotiations Started, 15 Administrative Articles Agreed

ISTANBUL - The critical 2025-2027 Group Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations between the Turkish Metalworkers' Union, one of Turkey's largest trade unions, and the Turkish Metal Industrialists' Union (MESS), the employer organization of the metal industry, have officially begun. The first meeting of the talks, which closely concern tens of thousands of metal workers, was held on Monday, October 13, 2025 at the MESS head office in Istanbul.

Fast Progress in First Session: 15 Administrative Articles Adopted

At the opening meeting, where Turkish Metal Union officials and MESS representatives came together, the administrative clauses of the contract were discussed and significant progress was made in the first session. A total of 15 administrative articles as proposed by the union were accepted by the parties and finalized.

Among the administrative articles agreed were the introductory sections, such as Article 1 Definitions and Article 2 Purpose, which set out the basic framework of the agreement. Agreements were also reached on Articles 3, 4 and 5, which set out union recognition, representation and responsibilities, and Article 6 Scope and Benefit, which sets out the scope of the contract.

The following articles, which particularly concern workers' rights and workplace processes, were accepted in line with the union's proposal:

• Complaints and Disputes: Article 19 (Grievance Procedures), Article 20 (Dispute Resolution Board), Article 21 (Special Arbitrator) and Article 22 (Special Arbitration Board and Working Procedure).

• Workplace Regulations: Article 59 (Change of Work and Workplace), Article 62 (Arrest, Detention and Conviction) and Article 63 (Work Certificate).

• Other Articles: Article 10 (Deductions Subject to Consent) and Article 24 (Disciplinary Board).

Wages and Social Issues Next

The quick agreement on administrative issues at the first meeting has created a positive atmosphere for the upcoming negotiations. Following the completion of the administrative clauses, the parties are expected to move on to the clauses on wage increases, social rights and working conditions, which are vital for the purchasing power of metal workers.

The delegations of the Turkish Metal Union and MESS have set the date for the next meeting. The second session of the Group Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations will be held on Friday, October 31st at 10:00 am, also at MESS Headquarters. Metalworkers and the public have started to wait for this date for the developments in the wage hikes section of the contract, which is expected to be the most difficult part of the negotiations.