DİSK unions demand election transparency and end to municipal trustees

Members of the Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions of Turkey (DİSK) have raised concerns regarding both internal union democracy and broader political issues in Turkey.

In Dersim, DİSK member Barış Göktepe issued a statement criticizing the upcoming elections for the Genel-İş Dersim branch. Göktepe alleged that the election process lacks transparency and democratic integrity, claiming that the candidacy process is being restricted by stating ‘there are no other candidates.’ He further questioned why member lists and election calendars are being withheld from workers and noted that delegate elections have not been held equally across all workplaces.

Separately, 16 unions affiliated with DİSK, including the Birleşik Metal İşçileri Sendikası, issued a joint statement calling for an end to the appointment of trustees to municipalities. The unions demanded that elected mayors be reinstated to their positions, arguing that such actions undermine the will of the people. The statement also addressed economic grievances, calling for a fairer tax system and improved workplace safety to prevent industrial accidents.