Ruling parties block inquiry into seasonal farm workers' rights in Turkey

The Turkish parliament's General Assembly rejected a motion by the Republican People's Party (CHP) to investigate the plight of seasonal agricultural workers. The proposal, brought forward by CHP lawmaker Mahmut Tanal, aimed to address critical issues such as inadequate housing, lack of access to education and social security, and wage disparities.

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Unfortunately, these seasonal agricultural workers cannot benefit from the human rights protected by our constitution.

Tanal highlighted that approximately 600,000 seasonal agricultural workers and their families migrate annually to 73 cities across Turkey, impacting children's education. He cited constitutional guarantees for housing, clean water, and energy, stating that these rights are not being met for these workers. Tanal also recounted an incident where a flood inundated workers' tents in Haymana, Ankara, urging local authorities and the presidency to provide immediate hotel accommodation.

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We are calling out to the Haymana District Governorship, the Ankara Governorship, and the Presidency: Immediately place the seasonal agricultural workers, our citizens currently under floodwaters in Haymana, into hotels tonight.

The lawmaker criticized the exclusion of seasonal workers from certain labor law provisions, particularly in workplaces with fewer than 50 employees, which exempts employers from providing wages and insurance. He also pointed out that transportation vehicles used for workers are being impounded. Tanal further expressed concern over the inaccessibility of an online education portal intended for agricultural workers' children, calling it a failure of the state to support its citizens.

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This means, my friend, I have excluded you from your constitutional rights, and you cannot benefit from them.

Additionally, Tanal referenced 2025 data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), indicating a significant wage gap between male and female agricultural workers, particularly in tasks like sowing and pruning. The proposal was ultimately voted down by the ruling AKP and MHP parties.

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Enter the website, you cannot access the website, the site is closed. Does the state deceive its citizens here? What will happen to these children? These children are in a state of victimhood.