Turkey - 114-day strike at solar panel factory ends in victory - February 28, 2026

The strike, led by the United Metal Workers Union at Smart Solar, which began on 22 October 2025, ended after 114 days with the signing of a collective agreement. The workers achieved significant gains, including an increase in the minimum wage to 65,000 TL and the reinstatement of 44 dismissed workers. In a statement made by the union, it was stated that the process was carried out "with determination and solidarity" and that the agreement was signed with the approval of the members. Workers received an average wage increase of 50% under the collective agreement.

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For more information, please contact Paul de Beer or Oana Ciuca, De Burcht (Scientific Bureau for the Dutch Trade Union Movement) p.t.debeer@uva.nl or the Head of communications at the ETUI, Mehmet Koksal mkoksal@etui.org. For previous full issues of the Collective bargaining newsletter please visit https://www.etui.org/Newsletters/Collective-bargaining-newsletter or consult the archive with all articles in our database at www.cbnarchive.eu. You may find further information on the ETUI at www.etui.org.