Kültür Emek-Sen

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The Voice of Public Artists Is Now at the FIM Table

AnnouncementOur News

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.

8 November 2026

44 posts

AnnouncementOur News

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.

We Met with Deputy Minister Gökhan Yazgı

AnnouncementOur News

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

PRESS RELEASE Regarding the State Theaters Coordination Meeting

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.

As part of its fieldwork

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.

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

Long live 1 May the International Workers' Day!

Long live labor, solidarity, and our resistance!

Long live 1 May the International Workers' Day!

AnnouncementOur News

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.

THE DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF FINE ARTS MUST ISSUE A STATEMENT!

AnnouncementOur News

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.

We're all over the place!

AnnouncementOur News

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.

Dear Cultural and Art Workers, Our Comrades in the Struggle

AnnouncementOur News

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.

The 2026–2027 Art Season in Our Orchestras

AnnouncementOur News

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.

Happy International Working Women's Day, March 8

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.

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

AnnouncementOur News

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.

No to Double Standards in the Arts!

AnnouncementOur News

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.

In the Grip of Arbitrariness

AnnouncementOur News

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.

Press Release 2026/1

AnnouncementOur News

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.

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

AnnouncementOur News

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.

We Demand Justice, Not Just a Pay Rise!

AnnouncementOur News

Press Statement

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

Press Statement

AnnouncementOur News

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.

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

AnnouncementOur News

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.

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

AnnouncementOur News

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.

2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement

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.

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

AnnouncementOur News

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.

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

AnnouncementOur News

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.

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

AnnouncementOur News

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.

8 March International Working Women's Day

AnnouncementOur News

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.

Investigation Draws Attention of Media and Opposition

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.

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

AnnouncementOur News

'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.

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

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.

Kültür Emekçileri Sendikası Executive Board Met with Deputy Minister Batuhan Mumcu

We Met with Devlet Tiyatroları Director General Tamer Karadağlı

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

We Met with Devlet Tiyatroları Director General Tamer Karadağlı

Congratulations to Director General Tan Sağtürk

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

Congratulations to Director General Tan Sağtürk

Our Collective Bargaining Demands for 2024–2025

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

Our Collective Bargaining Demands for 2024–2025

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.

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

Developments Regarding the July Pay Increase

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

Developments Regarding the July Pay Increase

Kültür Emek-Sen Rises Up for Artists

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

Kültür Emek-Sen Rises Up for Artists

Artists Demand Additional Benefit Points

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

Artists Demand Additional Benefit Points

State Artists Demand Additional Benefit Points Regulation

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

State Artists Demand Additional Benefit Points Regulation

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.

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

AnnouncementOur News

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.

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

Artists Promised Permanent Positions Anxious Over Examination and Probation Conditions

AnnouncementOur News

The Imposition of a 'Representative' at State Theatres

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

The Imposition of a 'Representative' at State Theatres

Snapshots from Us > 1

Photographs from Cultural Workers' Union events.

Snapshots from Us > 1

Snapshots from Us > 3

Photographs from Cultural Workers' Union events.

Snapshots from Us > 3

Snapshots from Us

The first photographs from Cultural Workers' Union events.

Snapshots from Us