Strengthening union capacity on fundamental labour rights

ANKARA (ILO News) – The International Labour Organization (ILO) Office for Türkiye, in partnership with the Confederation of Public Employees' Trade Unions (KESK), organized a training on fundamental labour rights, freedom of association, and the future of work for union leaders and experts affiliated with KESK.

The training was conducted as part of the “Strengthening Social Partners and Civil Society Capacities on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work” project, which is led by the ILO Office for Türkiye and supported by the European Union Delegation to Türkiye.

Held on November 13, 2024, the training aimed to enhance the knowledge and awareness of KESK-affiliated union leaders and experts on fundamental labour principles and rights, freedom of association, and the future of work.

The program began with an opening speech by ILO Türkiye Director Yasser Hassan, followed by a briefing on the project by Senior Project Coordinator Emre Dönmez.

In the training sessions, Prof. Dr. Banu Uçkan Hekimler delivered a presentation titled "Freedom of Association and Practices in Türkiye," covering topics such as the state of unionism in Türkiye, employees' perceptions and commitment to unions, reasons for negative views on unions, and strategies for “Union Revitalization”.

Prof. Dr. Gaye Burcu Yıldız provided information on "Fundamental Labour Principles and Rights" and "Access to Justice for Fundamental Labour Rights." Her presentation explored fundamental labour principles and rights in ILO Conventions and how they relate to the future of work, collective rights in evolving work structures, and vulnerable groups. In the "Access to Justice" section, Yıldız explained national legal frameworks, national complaint mechanisms, and offered insights on TİHEK and ILO monitoring mechanisms.

KESK International Relations Expert Osman İşçi conducted a seminar on "The Future of Work," addressing the impacts of the climate crisis, just transition, and technology on working life.

The program concluded with a certificate ceremony, where participants received their certificates from ILO Türkiye Director Yasser Hassan and KESK Co-Chair Ayfer Koçak.

This training series is part of the Fundamental Labour Rights project, aimed at strengthening the capacities of social partners and civil society organizations. The project plans to reach a total of 1,000 participants throughout its duration.

About the Project

The project aims to contribute to strengthening fundamental labour principles and rights in Türkiye, as outlined in ILO's Core Conventions. It focuses on the recognition of freedom of association and collective bargaining rights, the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour, effective abolition of child labour, elimination of employment and occupation discrimination, and creating a safe and healthy work environment. Supported by the European Union Delegation to Türkiye, the project seeks to enhance the capacities of workers' and employers' organizations and rights-based NGOs. Activities include needs assessments, thematic research reports, establishment of an electronic library, training programs and workshops for target groups, and provision of grant support opportunities.