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

OUR MEETINGS WITH DEPUTY MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM MR. BATUHAN MUMCU

As the Culture Workers' Union, our meetings with Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Mr. Batuhan Mumcu — on improvements to artists' and technical staff's salaries, the addition of across-the-board raises to the base salary, and the intibak problems of artists who moved from 4B to 4A positions — took place on 20.01.2025.

The topics of the meetings:

1- Salary raise: a shared understanding was reached on improvements to artists' and technical staff's salaries (a duty compensation). However, it became clear that, because of the austerity measures, this improvement is not possible in the short term.

2- Across-the-board raise (incentives and bonuses): our demand that across-the-board raises be added to the base salary and that incentive and bonus amounts be at salary level was put on the agenda. Mr. Batuhan Mumcu stated that he would discuss the matter with the Minister of Labour and Social Security and strive for a swift solution.

3- The intibak problem of artists who moved from 4B to 4A positions: he will likewise discuss with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security the legal arrangements for retroactive intibak claims following the change of status.

4- Staffing imbalance among the orchestras: talks were held on equalising the staffing imbalance among the orchestras in a positive direction.

5- The pay gulf between Turkish and foreign conductors and soloists: the problem that Turkish conductors and soloists are paid up to 10 times less than foreign artists was raised. We were told the matter would be examined with a view to improvement.

6- Incentive-bonus criteria and attendance-record ratios: we stated that our union plans to pursue legal remedies on this issue. We were informed that the criteria would be reviewed. It was emphasised that although the directorates-general change the criteria every year, this has no legal basis and contradicts previous court decisions.

7- The artist recruitment examination of the State Opera and Ballet Directorate General: warnings were given that the examination did not comply with the legislation and a review was requested; we were informed that these requests were accepted.

8- The DÖSİMM-share practice applied by the General Directorate of Fine Arts: the annulment of this practice was requested and the case our union has filed on the matter was recalled. Mr. Batuhan Mumcu stated that he would examine the issue with the relevant units and seek a solution.

9- The opening of the Düzce State Theatre: we were informed that the necessary measures for the theatre's opening have been taken and that the temporary assignments will end once the theatre becomes operational.

In the meetings, it was emphasised that the parties would act in solidarity and cooperation, and determination was expressed that all processes would be followed legally where necessary and approached with a focus on solutions.

Culture Workers' Union