Union Leader Files 'Honor' Complaint Over 'Low Raise' Criticism

Oğuz Özat, head of the Eğitim Gücü Sendikası (Education Power Union), has sharply criticized the recent collective bargaining agreement for public sector employees, particularly targeting the authorized confederation Memur-Sen and its affiliate Eğitim-Bir-Sen. Özat argues that the agreed-upon salary increases are "poverty" rather than a path to prosperity, and that the union leadership has "sold out" public employees to the government.

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The Arbitration Committee consists of 11 members, 7 of whom are determined by the President. Therefore, decisions made in previous periods have mostly been shaped in line with the government's proposals.

The dispute centers on the arbitration committee's decision regarding public sector wage hikes. Özat had previously urged unions not to participate in the committee, arguing that its composition, with seven of eleven members appointed by the President, inherently favors government proposals. He suggested that if the committee couldn't convene due to non-participation, the salary increases would be debated in the Grand National Assembly, potentially leading to a better outcome.

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You said you don't trust the arbitration committee, but you ensured it convened. You sold out the public employees again. These rates are not prosperity, they are the picture of poverty!

However, Memur-Sen and Türkiye Kamu-Sen participated in the committee, leading to an agreement that Özat deems a "shameful table" and a "betrayal of sweat." He specifically accused Memur-Sen and Eğitim-Bir-Sen leaders, including Ali Yalçın, of accepting a "one percent increase" that mocks public employees and condemns them to the "hunger line."

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The authorized union and its sidekick have become partners in this shameful table by sending representatives to the arbitration committee, condemning public employees to the hunger line. A one percent increase is mocking the intelligence of public employees. It is openly making fun of public employees.

Özat's strong condemnation led to Ali Yalçın, the head of Memur-Sen and Eğitim-Bir-Sen, filing a complaint against him. Özat confirmed he provided a statement to authorities, reiterating his stance that Memur-Sen and Eğitim-Bir-Sen acted dishonorably by prioritizing the government's interests over those of teachers and public employees.

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Yes, I said Memur Sen and Eğitim Bir sen had sold out teachers and public employees to the government and did not act honorably. Ali Yalçın took it personally and filed a complaint. I gave my statement.