Training empowers union representatives on fundamental labour rights

ANKARA (ILO News) – A training on "Fundamental Labour Rights" was provided to union administrators and specialists affiliated with the Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions of Türkiye (DİSK) through a collaboration between the International Labour Organization (ILO) Office for Türkiye and DİSK Confederation.

The training was organized under the “Strengthening Social Partners and Civil Society Capacities on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work” project, implemented by the ILO Office for Türkiye and supported by the European Union Delegation to Türkiye. The goal was to enhance the knowledge and awareness of union representatives on fundamental labour principles and rights.

The two-day event, held at the ILO Office for Türkiye premises, commenced with opening remarks by Mr. Yasser Hassan, followed by a presentation on the project details by Senior Project Coordinator Emre Dönmez.

In the training sessions, Prof. Dr. Gaye Burcu Yıldız discussed the fundamental labour principles and rights and explained the future of work, collective rights in changing work patterns, and vulnerable groups in the context of ILO conventions and these principles. In the session titled "Access to Justice for Fundamental Labor Rights", Yıldız provided information on national legal systems and national complaint mechanisms, and shared insights on TİHEK and ILO monitoring mechanisms.

Prof. Dr. Banu Uçkan Hekimler, addressed the landscape of trade unionism in Türkiye, workers' perceptions and affiliations with trade unions, the reasons for negative union perceptions, and touched on the issue of “Union Revitalization”.

On the "Future of Work," Burak Uyan, an Organization Expert at DEV Maden-Sen, affiliated with DİSK, delivered a seminar on Climate Crisis, Just Transition, and Employment, while Eyüp Özer, an International Relations Expert at Birleşik Metal-İş, held a seminar on "The Impact of Technology on Employment and Trade Unions."

The program concluded with the presentation of certificates to participants by ILO Office for Türkiye Director Yasser Hassan and DİSK General Secretary Tayfun Görgün.

Union representatives stated that they benefited from the training, expressing that they gained knowledge and exchanged views on ILO conventions, fundamental labour rights, the future of work, just transition, and the impact of technology on working life.

The training was conducted within the scope of the Fundamental Labour Rights Project carried out by the ILO Türkiye Office

These trainings are organized as part of the Fundamental Labour Rights Project, aimed at strengthening the capacities of social partners and civil society organizations. Throughout the project, a total of 1,000 participants are expected to attend the training program.

About the Project

The project aims to contribute to strengthening the fundamental labour principles and rights specified in ILO's Fundamental Conventions in Türkiye. The project framework focuses on recognizing the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining, eliminating all forms of forced or compulsory labour, effectively ending child labour, eliminating discrimination in employment and occupation, and ensuring a safe and healthy working environment.

Supported by the European Union Delegation to Türkiye, the project seeks to enhance the capacities of worker and employer organizations and rights-based NGOs.

Within the scope of the project, activities include conducting a needs assessment study for the target group, preparing thematic research reports, establishing an electronic library, organizing training programs and workshops for the target group, and providing grant support opportunities.