The International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with the Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (TÜRK-İŞ), organized a two-day capacity-building training in Antalya focused on strengthening understanding and implementation of the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW). The event was conducted under the EU-funded project “Strengthening Social Partners and Civil Society Capacities on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.”
More than 60 experts from TÜRK-İŞ and its affiliated unions attended the sessions, which covered key labour-related topics such as trade union organizing, collective bargaining, occupational safety and health, social security, and trade union revitalization. The training encouraged active participation, with experts sharing experiences and insights that enriched discussions on how unions can adapt to the rapidly changing world of work.
Led by academics and senior union specialists, the program emphasized practical learning and concluded with reflections on the evolving roles of trade unions. This initiative builds on previous ILO–TÜRK-İŞ training activities held earlier in 2025 and will be followed by further capacity-building actions as part of the ongoing EU-funded FPRW project.
Participants represented a diverse range of sectors, including tourism, food, mining, construction, banking, maritime, media, health, textile, metal, energy, and public services—reflecting the breadth of Türkiye’s labour movement.
Opening the event, ILO Türkiye Director Yasser Hassan reaffirmed the shared responsibility of all ILO members to uphold FPRW principles—freedom of association, elimination of forced and child labour, non-discrimination in employment, and ensuring safe and healthy workplaces. He stressed that these principles are foundational to social justice and inclusive development, noting that continuous training is vital for unions to remain effective amid global labour transformations.
TÜRK-İŞ President Ergün Atalay highlighted the urgent need to guarantee safe and fair working conditions for all workers in Türkiye. He emphasized that occupational safety and health should be viewed as an investment rather than a cost and called for stronger enforcement and improved inspection mechanisms. Atalay also pointed to the ongoing challenges in freedom of association and collective bargaining, advocating for legal reforms to better protect workers’ rights.
On the sidelines, Atalay and Hassan held a bilateral meeting to discuss Türkiye’s current labour landscape and global developments affecting workers. Both reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation between the ILO and TÜRK-İŞ in promoting decent work and social justice. Hassan also recognized TÜRK-İŞ’s seven-decade-long contribution to advancing workers’ rights and fostering social dialogue in Türkiye.
