Turkish Metal Union Biga Branch No. 1 held its 5th Ordinary General Assembly

Biga - The 5th Ordinary General Assembly of the Biga No. 1 Branch of the Turkish Metal Union convened on Saturday, July 26, 2025, with the participation of Vice President Yusuf Ziya Odabaş and Secretary General Taliphan Kıymaz. The general assembly, which elected a new leadership and addressed critical issues facing metalworkers, underscored the union's commitment to strengthening workers' rights and ensuring a secure future under difficult economic conditions.

General Assembly Started with the Election of the Council

The General Assembly started with the formation of the Divan Committee that will manage the process. General Secretary Taliphan Kıymaz was elected as the Chairman of the Council. Balıkesir Branch President Nedim Veske and Çorlu Branch President Caner Alözkan were appointed as Vice Presidents of the Council, while İÇDAŞ workplace delegate Yaşar Karataş and Demma workplace delegate Serpil Alınmaz were appointed as Clerks of the Council. This diverse representation on the council demonstrated the inclusive nature of the general assembly.

Vice President Odabaş Stressed the Need for Organization

Speaking at the opening of the General Assembly, Vice President Yusuf Ziya Odabaş started his speech by conveying the greetings, love and solidarity wishes of President Uysal Altundağ. Odabaş proudly emphasized that the Turkish Metal Union is Turkey's largest labor organization and pointed out that this growth was not achieved easily. Referring to the difficulties of the organizing process in the country, he gave the example of the difficult processes of Demma workers who joined the Turkish Metal family as a result of long years of struggle.

Odabaş passionately expressed the following: "Unfortunately, the process of organizing in our country is never easy. Look here, there are DEMMA laborers who were able to join our family after years of struggle. They know how difficult this process is. They have personally experienced how arduous this process is. Yes, it is really hard to organize, to fight for labor to reach the value it deserves. But is this a big obstacle for us? Will this stop us? Of course not... We will continue to fight for the working class. We will continue this struggle with determination. Because we have to organize for job security. We have to organize to eliminate uncertainties. We have to organize to build the future."

Odabaş also pointed out that the heavy price that economic crises, wars and inflation impose on workers can only be overcome by standing shoulder to shoulder, organizing and growing solidarity. As President Altundağ emphasized, organizing should be a priority goal for all of us.

Türk Metal's Holistic Trade Unionism Approach: Education and Social Support

Emphasizing the pioneering role of the Turkish Metal Union in the union struggle, Odabaş stated that the union directly touches the lives of its members through investments and social activities. He made special mention of the union's unique approach to union education.

"Our union trainings are the signature practices of Türk Metal and have been a turning point in the trade union movement. In the process of transformation in industrial relations, we wanted our members to lead this change. Last year, under the leadership of our President General and with his initiatives, we established the Turk Metal Academy so that our members can comprehend the new generation unionism, the dynamics of changing working life and social transformations in depth, and so that our cadres are knowledgeable, equipped and ready for the future. Moreover, we have ensured that not only our members but also their families take part in our social and cultural activities. We have organized trainings for their spouses and children so that they can benefit from the services of our union. That is why we can say with peace of mind and pride that we are a union that adds value to the lives of our members. We are not only fighting for wage negotiations, we are fighting for our members to live a happy life with their families," Odabaş said and received enthusiastic applause.

Odabaş concluded his speech by mentioning the preparations for the Group Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations with MESS, the employers' union representing more than 140,000 metalworking members.

Guest Speakers and Approval of the Annual Report

Following the speech of Deputy General President Yusuf Ziya Odabaş, Biga Mayor Alper Şen, İÇDAŞ Human Resources Manager Cengiz Kalkan and DEMMA Chief Business Advisor Cem Esenoğlu took the floor and delivered welcoming speeches wishing the general assembly delegates success.

After the speeches, the Activity Report of Biga Branch No. 1 was unanimously accepted by the general assembly delegates. In this section, Rümeysa Yaren Çakır from Demma and Emre Özdemir from İÇDAŞ took the floor and shared their views.

Selected Guests and New Management Announced

Among the distinguished guests attending the General Assembly were TÜRK-İŞ Bursa 8th Regional President Ruhi Biçer, İÇDAŞ Steel Plants Director Fuat Erkan Tekin, Personnel and Administrative Affairs Chief Serdar Özçelik, Demma Plant Manager Can Temürtürkan, Değirmencik Union President Ali Katman, Biga City Council President Ergün Erkap, and representatives of political parties and non-governmental organizations were also present.

In the elections with a single list, the new management of Biga Branch No. 1 was determined as follows:

• Branch President: Hakan Baytur

• Branch Secretary: Muhammed Kavlak

• Branch Financial Secretary: Aykut Demircan

• Branch Organization Secretary: İlyas Gür

• Branch Education Secretary: Mustafa Gündoğdu

5. The successful completion of the Ordinary General Assembly marks a new era for the Biga No. 1 Branch of the Turkish Metal Union, reinforcing the union's commitment to the welfare of its members and the broader labor movement.