The collective bargaining agreement (CBA) process in the metal sector has reached the strike stage, with the United Metal Workers’ Union announcing strike action at 43 factories across 31 companies. The decision was made following the release of the mediator’s report and the union’s rejection of MESS’s latest 18% wage increase offer.

Speaking at a press conference in Istanbul, Union President Özkan Atar said the offer imposed poverty wages and ignored workers’ basic demands, particularly on pay. He said proposals presented during negotiations threatened acquired rights, including changes to bonuses, sick leave pay, compulsory compensatory work, and supplementary health insurance. Atar also rejected MESS’s insistence on a three-year contract, saying it would mean continued impoverishment for metal workers.

The union announced that strikes would begin on Friday, 30 January, at nine workplaces in the first stage, with dates for other factories to be announced gradually. Meanwhile, the Turkish Metal Workers’ Union also declared a strike decision after failing to reach an agreement with MESS in negotiations covering 138,000 workers.