The conflict revolves around the refusal of the employers association, MESS, to compensate metalworkers in the face of record high inflation, which soared above 70% in 2022 and is projected to reach a staggering 127% in 2023, according to ENAG, an independent research organisation.

The three major metal unions—Türk Metal, Birleşik Metal İş, and Öz Çelik-İş—are currently engaged in simultaneous negotiations, impacting over 150,000 workers in 400 workplaces. Türk Metal is demanding a 119% pay raise over two years, of which 80% is allocated for wages, 29% for seniority, and the remainder for social rights. These demands are seen as justified in the light of soaring inflation rates. Türk Metal has also called for compensation for inflation during the second, third, and fourth 6-month periods to protect the purchasing power of its members.

Negotiations between the unions and MESS, which began in September 2023, broke down in November when Türk Metal walked out due to insurmountable disagreements, particularly over wages. MESS's initial offer was considered inadequate, and subsequent adjustments during the negotiations failed to address the cost of living crisis faced by many working families.

MESS has been non-cooperative throughout the negotiations, proposing the reintroduction of outdated practices such as flexible working and fixed-term contracts. The unions, on the other hand, have advocated improved job quality for their members, especially at a time when many Turkish metal companies are reporting robust profits and record-breaking exports and sales.

When negotiations with MESS reached an impasse, the unions resorted to industrial action. On 7 December 2023, thousands of Türk Metal members expressed their discontent by placing black wreaths at the MESS headquarters in Istanbul and various regional offices. On 9 January, Türk Metal organised a one-day strike and on 11 January, protest actions during shift changes affected all workplaces covered by the MESS agreement.

Birleşik Metal İş, has also taken industrial action in the last 1,5 months with warning strikes. This involved stopping production for one hour during three shifts every Friday and Monday, totaling six hours of work stoppages per week for 1.5 months. In addition, members of Birleşik Metal İş have organised rallies in the city centers where MESS member factories are located. A strike has been announced by Birleşik Metal İş for 19 January.

Typically, collective agreements in the metal sector span two years, and the previous agreement expired at the end of August 2023. The current negotiations are intended to result in a new agreement covering the period from 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2025.

Acting Joint General Secretary, Isabelle Barthès, of industriAll Europe praises the strength and fighting spirit of the Turkish unions in this important struggle for their members.

“Turkish metalworkers are demanding nothing less than their fair share of productivity and profits so that they can meet their basic costs, maintain a decent standard of living and human dignity in the face of record inflation. With record exports and sales, companies can clearly afford it. As their European federation, industriAll Europe stands firmly behind its Turkish members in this critical struggle.”