Opposition Criticises the Proposal
Devrim Barçın, a Republican Turkish Party (CTP) MP, accused the UBP-YDP-DP coalition government of attempting to dismantle the collective bargaining system. He criticised the ministry, which is not an employer, for introducing legislation that would require its approval for such agreements. Barçın condemned the move as unconstitutional and vowed resistance:
“Any opposition to this law, which violates the Constitution’s Article 53 and the right to collective agreements, is legitimate. Workers and unions will respond.”
Unions Condemn the Bill
Semih Kolozali, Chair of the Revolutionary Workers’ Unions (DEV-İŞ), called the bill a constitutional violation:
“We will not allow unconstitutional interference in collective labour agreements.”
Kolozali also claimed the bill threatens employees’ rights and protections under collective agreements.
Mustafa Yalınkaya, Chair of the Municipality Workers Union (BES), emphasised the autonomy of municipalities:
“Municipalities have their own laws, budgets, and elected leadership. Who are you to interfere?”
