Türk-Metal Union fails to reach agreement with MESS

MESS proposed to the Türk-Metal Union that, effective from September 1, 2023, for the first 6 months, hourly wages be increased by 32 percent first, followed by a flat increase of 20.5 liras after the percentage increase is applied, and subsequently, an increase of 1.5 liras for each year of seniority, limited to 10 years of seniority, be applied to hourly wages.

In a statement released by the union, it was said, "MESS continued to keep on the table its proposals that would roll back our acquired rights, primarily the 3-year duration of the contract, the abolition of the supplementary health insurance practice, and the deduction of bonuses for days not worked. Our delegation did not accept the proposals made and terminated the meeting."

The Türk-Metal Union, affiliated with TÜRK-İŞ, announced that they were called to a meeting at the MESS headquarters today at the invitation of the employers' union, the Turkish Employers' Association of Metal Industries (MESS). The Türk-Metal Union announced that no agreement could be reached, stating that the total wage increase package offered by MESS provides a 73 percent increase to current wages.

"THE MEETING HAS BEEN TERMINATED"

The written statement issued by the Türk-Metal Union noted the following:

"At the meeting held at their Headquarters today (on January 13, 2024) at the invitation of MESS, the employer side proposed that, effective from September 1, 2023, for the first 6 months, hourly wages be increased by 32 percent first, followed by a flat increase of 20.5 TL after the percentage increase is applied, and subsequently, an increase of 1.5 TL for each year of seniority, limited to 10 years of seniority, be applied to hourly wages. The total return of this wage increase package offered by MESS to the average wage is 73 percent.

MESS also proposed a 90 percent annual increase in social benefits, effective from September 1, 2023. It reiterated its proposal to increase wages for subsequent six-month periods by the rate of inflation for the relevant six months, and to increase social benefits by the annual inflation rate.

Furthermore, MESS continued to keep on the table its proposals that would roll back our acquired rights, primarily the 3-year duration of the contract, the abolition of the supplementary health insurance practice, and the deduction of bonuses for days not worked. Our delegation did not accept the proposals made and terminated the meeting."

WHAT HAPPENED?

The Türk-Metal Union had announced on January 10 that it had decided to go on strike after failing to reach an agreement with MESS in the negotiations for the Group Collective Bargaining Agreement, which covers over 400 workplaces affiliated with 196 employers and concerns approximately 145 thousand 33 workers. Additionally, it was reported that a decision was made for metal workers affiliated with the union not to work overtime at workplaces within MESS as of yesterday.

News Source: 12punto