Conflict in the Metal Group Collective Labor Agreement: MESS and Turkish Metal

Tension in Collective Bargaining Negotiations

Turkish Metal and Turkey Metal Industrialists' Union (MESS) began Group Collective Labor Agreement negotiations on October 13, 2025, which resulted in a dispute during the fifth meeting. The meeting was held at MESS's Central Office.

Financial Proposals and Disputed Points

MESS proposed a wage increase of 5% + a fixed increase of 11.50 TL for the first 6 months in response to the union's suggested wage increase. While this proposal corresponds to an average proportional increase of 10%, it is noteworthy that MESS did not present any proposals for other 6-month periods.

Disputes over Social Benefits and Bonuses

In terms of social benefits, MESS came to the table with a proposal for a 25% increase for the first year, while not offering any additional increase for the second year. Additionally, regarding bonus payments, they suggested a deduction based on the number of unexcused absences, except for certain mandatory cases, and requested that these deductions be pooled into a fund.

Discussions on Contract Duration

MESS demanded a three-year duration for the contract, which was rejected by Turkish Metal and became a point of disagreement.