Empowering social partners in Türkiye
Training on fundamental labour rights and the future of work
Training aims enhancing the knowledge and awareness of Turkish Confederation of Employer Associations affiliated union leaders and experts on fundamental labour principles and rights, freedom of association, and the future of work.
18 January 2025
ANKARA (ILO News) – The International Labour Organization (ILO) Office for Türkiye and the Turkish Confederation of Employer Associations (TİSK) partnered to provide training on "Fundamental Labour Rights" for managers and experts from unions affiliated with TİSK.
The training, conducted on January 15–16, 2025, was part of 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 Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye. It aimed to enhance the knowledge and awareness of union representatives about fundamental labour principles and rights.
The program began with ILO Senior Project Coordinator Emre Dönmez presenting information about the project. This was followed by a speech by TİSK Secretary-General Akansel Koç on employer unions and collective bargaining processes.
During the first session, TİSK Deputy Secretary-General, Lawyer Nagehan Akan, gave a detailed presentation on Fundamental Labour Principles and Rights.
On the second day, Nagehan Akan delivered a session on Access to Justice for Fundamental Labour Rights. Additionally, Gürhan Höke, TİSK Director of Education and Development, conducted a seminar on the Future of Work and Just Transition.
The program concluded with a certificate presentation to participants by TİSK Secretary-General Akansel Koç.
About the Training
The training is part of the “Strengthening Social Partners and Civil Society Capacities on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work” project implemented by the ILO Office for Türkiye. These initiatives aim to strengthen the capacities of social partners and civil society organizations. Over the course of the project, a total of 1,000 participants are expected to complete the training programs.
The project aims to contribute to the reinforcement of fundamental labour principles and rights in Türkiye, as outlined in ILO’s Core Conventions. These include the effective recognition of the right to organize and collective bargaining, the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour, the effective abolition of child labour, the elimination of discrimination in employment and occupation, and the promotion of safe and healthy working environments.
Activities under the project include conducting needs assessments for the target group, preparing thematic research reports, establishing an electronic library, organizing training programs and workshops, and providing grant support opportunities to enhance the capacities of worker and employer organizations and rights-based NGOs.