Türk-İş Inaugurates New Headquarters After Legal Battles

Türk-İş, Turkey's largest labor confederation representing approximately 1.2 million workers, celebrated its 74th anniversary by inaugurating its new headquarters. The move marks a significant transition from its previous 65-year-old building in Ankara's Kızılay district. The opening ceremony was attended by the families of Türk-İş members, highlighting the organization's connection to the workers it represents. During the event, Türk-İş Chairman Ergün Atalay recounted the process of acquiring the land and constructing the new facility.

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this building's room is too low, my head hits the ceiling

Atalay explained that in 2020, President Erdoğan visited the old Türk-İş building and commented on its low ceilings. Following this, Atalay requested land from Erdoğan to build a new facility, leading to the allocation of a 21-dunam plot. He noted the strategic location of the new building, situated near key government and military installations like the Ay Yıldız (Turkey's Pentagon), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the National Intelligence Organization (MİT). "We are at the very center of them, like a state," Atalay remarked, emphasizing Türk-İş's central position within the nation's infrastructure.

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Mr. President, give us a place, let us build a building.

The construction process was not without its hurdles. Atalay revealed that three organizations legally challenged the project, arguing the location was unsuitable. The legal battle lasted two years, but the Council of State eventually ruled in favor of Türk-İş, confirming the legitimacy of their construction. Atalay shared that he had not entered the building until two days prior to the opening, accompanied by the Minister of Environment for a final inspection. He emphasized that the inauguration was not a formal opening but a celebration of Türk-İş's anniversary, inviting families of workers, including those who died or were injured on the job, from 51 provinces to be the first to experience the new building.

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We are at the very center of them, like a state.