News &amp; Announcements

The Voice of Public Artists Is Now at the FIM Table

Turkey’s state-employed artists were represented for the first time in the International Federation of Musicians (FIM), the world’s largest musicians’ organization, which brings together unions from 70 countries. With the report we presented in Sofia, we brought the precarious working conditions, low wages, and unrecognized rights of 3,800–4,500 artists employed in 30 public institutions to the attention of musicians’ unions around the world.

Culture·Art·Cinema

Ankara Sanat Tiyatrosu's season repertoire: Four plays that question labor, unemployment and power

This season, Ankara Sanat Tiyatrosu (AST) is staging four plays at its Bilkent Center stage: Accidental Death of an Anarchist, The Generals' Tea Party, Second-Degree Unemployment Burn and The Dishwashers.

We Met with Deputy Minister Gökhan Yazgı

A delegation from our union met with Mr. Gökhan Yazgı, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. During the meeting, we directly conveyed our long-standing issues, along with the draft proposals and cost analyses we had prepared.

An era has come to an end: Turkey bids farewell to human rights and labor advocate Şükran Soner

Şükran Soner, one of the leading columnists at the Cumhuriyet newspaper and a member of the Cumhuriyet Foundation’s Board of Directors, passed away this morning at the hospital where she had been receiving treatment for health issues for some time.

PRESS RELEASE Regarding the State Theaters Coordination Meeting

This year, democratic mass organizations and labor unions were not invited to the State Theaters coordination meeting; as a result, the views of professional organizations were not sought; difficulties were not discussed, and no joint solutions were sought; and a culture of criticism has been sidelined

THE ARTIST’S LABOR AND EARNED RIGHTS CANNOT BE SACRIFICED TO ADMINISTRATIVE NEGLIGENCE!

While the lawsuit we filed with the Council of State regarding the shortfall in incentive payments caused by the across-the-board pay raise continues with determination, we will not remain silent about the delay in the payment of our current financial entitlements due to administrative negligence!

We have lost Zihni Göktay.

We would like to remind you of Article 26 of the Constitution.

Artists should not be subjected to pressure because of their works or their on-stage expressions; critical and humorous speech should not be used as a means of punishment. In an environment where art is not free, it is impossible to speak of freedom of thought and democratic development.

“Fully independent, democratic class-based trade unionism.”

We, the workers, do not accept the passive, ineffective form of the Public Employees’ Trade Unions Law No. 4688. We have decided to take our struggle to the next level and continue our work within the United Public Sector Workers’ Confederation (Birleşik Kamu-İş) without compromising our principles or our commitment to independent class-based trade unionism.

As part of its fieldwork

As part of its fieldwork, our union held extensive consultations with representatives of the Diyarbakır State Theater and the Directorate of the Diyarbakır State Classical Turkish Music and Civilizations Choir, with the aim of developing on-site solutions to the chronic problems faced by workers in the culture and arts sector and strengthening organized struggle.

Our NewsCulture·Art·Cinema

The Demands of Cultural Workers Are Being Brought to the Collective Negotiation Table and the Ministry Meeting!

On April 30, with the participation of Mr. Orhan Yıldırım, President of the United Public Sector Workers’ Confederation, we held comprehensive consultation meetings with our ballet and choir artists employed by the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet (DOB), coordinated by our union, Kültür Emek-Sen.

Long live 1 May the International Workers' Day!

Long live labor, solidarity, and our resistance!

THIS SCENE IS A TESTAMENT TO THE GOVERNMENT’S SURRENDER TO CAPITAL!

The cry of “I’m starving!” rising from Eskişehir toward Ankara is not merely the cry of a worker; it is the starkest summary of an era, a governing philosophy, and the capitulation of an entire political will in the face of capital. As cultural workers who observe life, interpret society, and turn words into action, we see not “power” but deep helplessness in the shackles fastened to the miner’s wrist.

THE DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF FINE ARTS MUST ISSUE A STATEMENT!

As part of the April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day celebrations, while the State Opera and Ballet and the State Theaters continue to organize events for children, it is unacceptable that the children’s concerts planned for the same date by our State Symphony Orchestras were announced as canceled via social media accounts without any official justification.

We're all over the place!

As Kültür Emek-Sen, on this honorable path we have embarked upon under the motto of “fully independent and democratic class-based trade unionism,” we receive our greatest strength from your unwavering solidarity.

Dear Cultural and Art Workers, Our Comrades in the Struggle

As cultural and artistic workers, we are calling on you to support our struggle by joining the ranks of the United Public Sector Workers’ Confederation. Let’s fight together.

Library Week

Last Monday of March is celebrated as Library Week

Happy World Theater Day on March 27

March 27 is not merely a celebration; it is also a day of remembrance, solidarity, and struggle.

The Extraordinary General Assembly

Central Executive Board convened to evaluate the matter of convening an Extraordinary General Assembly with the agenda of joining an umbrella organization/confederation, in accordance with Article 15 of our bylaws.

The 2026–2027 Art Season in Our Orchestras

We have published a statement following the board of directors elections held at the State Symphony Orchestras.

Happy International Working Women's Day, March 8

Working women continue to raise their voices not only in physical spaces but also against the pressures of an increasingly digitalized working life.

FEB

From Stage to Rehearsal: Three Days with Opera and Ballet Workers in Samsun

From February 20 to 22, 2026, our union was at the Samsun State Opera and Ballet. We met workers in the ballet studio, at orchestra rehearsal and at a joint meeting, and set out our work on grading, the flat-rate raise, a duty allowance, accelerated pension credit and the clothing allowance.

FEB

No to Double Standards in the Arts!

While the Ministry of Culture plans to provide $100,000 per episode in support to the TV series sector, it has been systematically impoverishing the artists in its own institutions for years.

FEB

In the Grip of Arbitrariness

A concert planned a year in advance, having received Ministerial approval and with tickets already sold, was canceled without any public explanation.

Press Release 2026/1

At a three-hour meeting held with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the working conditions and financial rights of artists were placed on the agenda.

The Urgent Return to Trainee Artist Recruitment Instead of 4/B Must Be Made Immediately!

Some holding doctorates, others trained abroad — our qualified young artists are condemned to an average salary of 35,000 TL under 4/B contracts instead of the trainee artist recruitment clearly stipulated in the institutions' own laws.

We Demand Justice, Not Just a Pay Rise!

While across-the-board pay rises of up to 30,000 TL are granted to top-level managers, cultural workers have once again been overlooked.

A Painful Loss

We have learned with great sorrow of the passing of Yeşim Gökalp, Soloist Artist of the İzmir State Symphony Orchestra.

Event

Activity Report

Our union organized a series of organizing and outreach meetings in Istanbul on 23–24 October 2025, targeting artists who are current and potential members.

Press Statement

Certain female artists at the Ankara State Theatre are being subjected to systematic pressure and mobbing by the general directorate.

Gender Discrimination Is Unacceptable!

Reports that a concert open only to female audience members is to be held at the Presidential Symphony Orchestra concert halls have been met with great concern.

AnnouncementLegal

Important Announcement Regarding Bank Promotion Tenders

An announcement to all artists employed at arts institutions affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism regarding their legal rights in salary-promotion tender processes.

Unity for the Future of Our Artists: A Solution-Oriented Dialogue Meeting

A productive consultative meeting was held under the auspices of State Opera and Ballet Director General Tan Sağtürk, bringing together institutional executives and union representatives.

The Mandatory Presence of a Union Representative in Bank Promotion Agreements

In public institutions and organizations, the inclusion of a union representative on commissions for promotion agreements is a legal requirement.

An Important Meeting from Our Union: One More Step for Our Rights!

At a meeting held in the office of Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Dr. Batuhan Mumcu, long-standing demands were brought to the table.

2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement

With the 2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement, the government has once again condemned 6.5 million civil servants and retirees to hunger and poverty.

Cultural Workers' Union Declaration

Our Demand Is a Fair Wage and a Life of Dignity! The government's pay increases are out of step with the real cost of living and are impoverishing workers more with each passing day.

Şekip Taşpınar, Unforgettable Name of Turkish Theatre, Has Passed Away

As the Cultural Workers' Union, we have learned with profound sorrow of the passing of our esteemed member Mehmet Şekip Taşpınar.

JUN

Meeting Held with the Advisor to Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Batuhan Mumcu

At the meeting held on June 25, 2025 with Ministry Advisor Ayşegül Genç, the problems of arts institutions were discussed.

3rd Ordinary General Assembly

The 3rd Ordinary General Assembly of our union will be held on 17.06.2025 in Ankara.

Event

May 1st

For Rights, Law, and Justice: Every Day Is May 1st! We speak out as cultural workers.

Exorbitant Price Increases at Devlet Tiyatroları Are Blocking the Public's Right of Access to Art!

Regular play tickets have been raised from 70–110 TL to 330–450 TL, and musical play tickets from 115–170 TL to 450–660 TL.

A Critical Threshold in the Rights Struggle: Seniority Alignment Is on the Agenda!

The previous service periods of personnel who transitioned from 4C to 4A in arts institutions are not being counted toward grade and supplementary indicator; Danıştay proceedings and Ministry negotiations are ongoing.

8 March International Working Women's Day

Even as women workers face ever-growing challenges, we resolutely continue our struggle against sexism, oppression, and injustice in every domain.

Investigation Draws Attention of Media and Opposition

An investigation was launched against our union executive Burç Balcı due to an announcement of a legally protected work stoppage action.

Administrative Investigation Launched in Connection with the Work Stoppage Action Announcement in Bursa

We condemn the administrative investigation launched against our union's legal and collective bargaining secretary on account of announcing the work stoppage action.

Our Meetings with Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Mr. Batuhan Mumcu

Improvements to the salaries of artists and technical personnel, the incorporation of across-the-board pay rises into base salaries, and the seniority adjustment issues of artists who transferred from contract position 4B to permanent position 4A were discussed.

We Are Stopping Work

On Monday 13 January, we are stopping work, wielding the power that comes from production. If our demands are not met by 15 January, we will escalate our struggle further.

'Moral Interference' with the Attire of Female Orchestra Artists Is Unacceptable

It has been alleged that at the concert held on 12 December, the attire worn by CSO artists — the same outfits they have worn at every concert for years — was interfered with.

Culture·Art·Cinema

Art Does Not Fall Silent

We condemn the interference with the play staged at Diyarbakır State Theatre. Art does not fall silent.

Culture·Art·Cinema

Veda Yurtsever Wrote for "Tiyatro Dergisi" (Theatre Magazine)

Veda Yurtsever, a worker at State Theatres, wrote for Tiyatro Dergisi about the unlawful practices at the institution and the pressures exerted on artists.

Arts Workers Must Live Not at the Poverty Line, but at the Value They Deserve!

We draw attention to the economic hardships faced by artists in response to the statements made by the Director General of State Theatres.

Arts Institutions Regulatory Handbook

As Kültür Emekçileri Sendikası, we have prepared a regulatory handbook to help artists better understand their rights.

Event

Long Live May 1st

As we mark May Day — International Workers' and Laborers' Day — we renew our commitment as cultural workers to continue our struggle.

AnnouncementLegal

We Will Not Share Our Extra Income

We filed a case at the Ankara Administrative Court against the Directorate General of Fine Arts' decision to require artists to share a portion of their extra income with the revolving fund.

Warnings and Recommendations to the Directorate General of Fine Arts

We submitted our warnings and recommendations regarding the deficiencies and injustices in the Directorate General of Fine Arts' 4B contractual musician recruitment examination.

AnnouncementEvent

International Working Women's Day

On 8 March International Working Women's Day, the struggle and demands of women who work in culture and the arts.

LegalAnnouncement

Constitutional Court Decision on Bonus for Public Officials: The '2 Percent Threshold' Annulled

The Constitutional Court annulled the 2 percent union membership threshold required for the collective bargaining bonus.

Kültür Emekçileri Sendikası Executive Board Met with Deputy Minister Batuhan Mumcu

The union's executive board met with Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Batuhan Mumcu to discuss pressing issues.

We Met with Devlet Tiyatroları Director General Tamer Karadağlı

We met with Devlet Tiyatroları Director General Tamer Karadağlı to discuss the sector's issues.

Congratulations to Director General Tan Sağtürk

We congratulate Tan Sağtürk on his appointment as the new Director General of the Cumhurbaşkanlığı Senfoni Orkestrası.

Our Petition Regarding the Additional Duty Fee for Artistic Personnel

Our petition submitted to the relevant authorities requesting payment of additional duty fees to artistic personnel.

LegalAnnouncement

BAK-SEN Called for Abolition of the 2% Trade Union Threshold

The Confederation of Independent Civil Servants' Unions applied to the Constitutional Court for the abolition of the 2% trade union threshold.

Our Union Filed a Case at the Danıştay Over Underpaid Across-the-Board Wage Increases for Artists

Kültür Emekçileri Sendikası filed a case at the Danıştay over across-the-board wage increases that were underpaid to artists.

Why Cultural Workers' Union

An article explaining the founding purpose, vision, and reason for existence of the Cultural Workers' Union.

Our Collective Bargaining Demands for 2024–2025

The list of collective bargaining demands of the Cultural Workers' Union for the 2024–2025 period.

Artists' Union Cries Foul: Appointed Director Gets Paid, Elected Director Does Not

The Cultural Workers' Union brought unjust wage practices in arts institutions to the attention of the public.

Council of State Halts Unlawful Practices in 4B-to-Permanent Conversions

The Council of State announced its ruling on unlawful practices in the process of converting 4B-status personnel to permanent civil servant positions.

Statement to the Press and the Public

A press and public statement by the Cultural Workers' Union regarding the problems faced by cultural and artistic workers.

7-Month Prison Sentence for Supervisor Who Obstructed Union Membership

A court sentenced a supervisor to 7 months in prison for obstructing employees' right to join a union.

Developments Regarding the July Pay Increase

The latest developments regarding the July 2023 pay increase and its dimensions affecting cultural workers.

JUN

Those Dismissed by Emergency Decree (KHK)

A report on the situation of cultural and arts workers dismissed through Emergency Decree (KHK) during the state of emergency.

JUN

Relevant Legislation

Key legal regulations directly concerning cultural and arts workers.

Kültür Emek-Sen Rises Up for Artists

The Cultural Workers' Union issued a stern statement after the problems of artists went unresolved.

Artists Demand Additional Benefit Points

State artists held a press conference to demand inclusion in the additional benefit points regulation.

State Artists Demand Additional Benefit Points Regulation

State artists came together and announced their demands to be included in the additional benefit points scheme.

Veteran Actor Tamer Levent: They Are Trying to Break Us Down

Tamer Levent, a legendary artist of the state theater, spoke about the problems and struggles of artists.

Contract Artists: Enough Is Enough — We Call on You to Keep Your Word

Contract artists voiced that despite years of promises, they have not been granted permanent positions, and called on officials to keep their word.

Our NewsAnnouncement

Artists Promised Permanent Positions Anxious Over Examination and Probation Conditions

Contracted artists who were promised permanent positions are experiencing anxiety due to examination and probation conditions.

The Imposition of a 'Representative' at State Theatres

Reports emerged of management at State Theatres imposing a representative on union members.

Presidential Symphony Orchestra Trainee Artist Recruitment Examination: Yet Another Concrete Example of Disregard for the Law

Irregularities in violation of regulations were identified in the Presidential Symphony Orchestra's trainee artist recruitment examination.

Court Case Regarding Performance Evaluation of Contract Artists Concluded

The Council of State announced its ruling on the performance evaluation system applied to contract artists.

CULTURAL WORKERS' UNION FOUNDING STATUTE

The official founding statute of the Cultural Workers' Union.

Snapshots from Us > 1

Photographs from Cultural Workers' Union events.

Snapshots from Us > 3

Photographs from Cultural Workers' Union events.