sendika

Sendika is the Turkish term for a labor union or trade union, an association of workers formed to protect and advance members’ interests in employment, wages, and working conditions. Unions negotiate collectively with employers and may organize actions such as strikes within the bounds of the law. In Turkey, sendikalar operate under national labor law and are part of national and international labor networks.

Etymology: The word is borrowed from the French syndicat (syndicate), entering Turkish usage in the late 19th or early 20th century to describe organized labor groups.

History: The modern Turkish labor movement developed from late Ottoman reforms into the Republican era, expanding through the 20th century with various political and economic changes. Trade unions in Turkey organize through confederations that coordinate policy and bargaining across sectors. Internationally, Turkish unions engage with bodies such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and other global labor networks.

Structure and activities: Local or workplace unions represent workers in a specific area or industry, while national or regional confederations coordinate broader policy, collective bargaining, and lobbying. Unions negotiate collective agreements on wages, benefits, and working conditions, provide legal assistance, offer training, and promote workplace safety and anti-discrimination measures.

Notable confederations and examples: The principal umbrella bodies include Türk-İş (Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions), DİSK (Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions), and Hak-İş (Confederation of Hak-İş). Individual unions operate within various sectors such as manufacturing, education, public services, and transportation.

Contemporary landscape: Union density in Turkey has fluctuated due to economic volatility and political developments, but sendikalar continue to play a role in wage negotiations, social dialogue, and labor rights advocacy.