The BWI-affiliated Turkish Cement, Ceramics, Pottery, and Glass Industry Workers’ Union (ÇİMSE-İŞ) held its 22nd Ordinary General Assembly in Ankara, Türkiye, on 15-16 February under the theme “From Stability to the Future.” The event brought together more than 600 participants, including representatives from the Ministry of Labour, TURK-İŞ Confederation President, leaders of sister unions, and employers’ representatives.

The assembly re-elected ÇİMSE-İŞ President Zekeriye Nazlim, who highlighted key challenges facing workers, such as obstacles to union organising, low union density, and high levels of unregistered employment. The event also called for fair regulations to address the inequities of the current tax system and the threats to workers’ severance pay. Nazlim underscored the union's achievements over the past 15 years and outlined a bold agenda to increase union membership from 13,000 to 30,000 by prioritising the needs of precarious and non-unionised workers.

“With the support of our grassroots, our new model has transformed ÇİMSE-İŞ, stabilising its structure, establishing institutional order, and advancing the will of labourers through a framework of service and continuity,” Nazlim said. “Our struggle is also a struggle for justice and human values. Justice is the foundation of development, growth, and peace in the workplace.”

In a video message to the assembly, BWI Regional Vice-President Bruno Bothua emphasised the importance of solidarity, saying: “Together, we can rely on union members and workers negotiating wage increases through collective bargaining and fighting to protect working conditions. This collective effort is crucial to rebuilding a Türkiye that has faced the challenges of the earthquake and democratic ruptures.”