Historic Draft Contract from Türk Metal: MESS Faces MESS with 38.97% Raise Demand for the First Six Months

ANKARA - Türk Metal, one of Turkey's largest labor unions, has demanded an average increase of 38.97 percent for the first six months ahead of the MESS Group Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) process that will cover the years 2025-2027. At the Expanded Representatives Assembly meeting held in Ankara on September 4, 2025, President Uysal Altundağ shared with the public the draft prepared at the end of an unprecedented process of "union democracy" in trade union history.

Speaking at the meeting, President Altundağ detailed the process of drafting the draft, noting that it was not just a management decision, but rather the result of surveys of all 140,722 members, work with independent research companies, and meetings with the assembly of representatives. He emphasized that this meticulous work shows that the demands are based on solid and realistic foundations.

Details of the Requests

According to the draft, a two-stage wage increase formula for the first six months is requested:

• First of all, all members' hourly rates on August 31, 2025 will be increased by 20 percent.

• Following this increase, all members' hourly wages will receive an additional increase of 35 lira per person.

As a result of these two increases, the average increase demand for the first six months was 35.2 percent.

Clear demands were also made for other periods of the contract:

• For the second six months an increase in line with the 6-month inflation rate.

• For the third six months +3 percentage points of the 6-month inflation rate.

• For the fourth and final six months, an increase in line with inflation.

Requests for High Rate Increases in Social Assistance

Social benefits are also an important part of the draft. Social benefits such as Eid al-Fitr, education and fuel allowances have been increased by 65% and Eid al-Adha allowance by 80%. These increases bring the total increase requested for the first six months to an average of 38.97 percent.

New Acquisitions on the Way

Turk Metal demands new gains as well as the protection of existing rights. Among these, the most notable ones are:

• Complementary Health Insurance also covers the spouses of members.

• Payment of wages of members working on national and religious holidays and eve days with 200 percent increase.

• Increase night work compensation to 20 percent.

• In cases where members' first-degree relatives receive inpatient treatment, one day paid companion leave.

Finishing his remarks, President Altundağ emphasized that this draft is entrusted to 140,722 members and stated that he believes that the union will sign the best contract in this process as always.