Turkish education unions protest mandatory teacher aprons

Multiple education unions in Turkey have announced various forms of protest and legal actions in response to a circular from the Ministry of National Education (MEB) regarding mandatory aprons and dress code regulations.

Several unions, including Eğitim Gücü Sen, Hürriyetçi Eğitim Sen, and TÖBSEN, have officially decided that their members will wear free civilian clothing instead of aprons during the 2026-2027 academic year. Other organizations, such as Anadolu Eğitim Sen and Türk Eğitim-Sen, stated they are maintaining existing long-term decisions to allow teachers to work in casual attire.

Legal challenges are also being pursued. Eğitim-İş has filed a lawsuit to annul the provisions regarding mandatory aprons and certain appointment regulations, arguing they lack a legal basis. Other unions, such as Eğitim Sen and Genç MEBSEN, have expressed total rejection of the ministry’s oversight approach, emphasizing professional dignity and economic concerns over clothing mandates.