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

UNITY FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR ARTISTS: A SOLUTION-ORIENTED DIALOGUE MEETING

As the Cultural Workers' Union, we held an exceptionally productive consultative meeting hosted by State Opera and Ballet Director General Mr. Tan Sağtürk, with the participation of institutional executives Mr. Volkan Ersoy, Mr. Fatih Tunasoy, and our union representatives — a meeting aimed at shedding light on the future of our artists.

1. Salary Improvements and Financial Issues

Core Problem: It was emphasized that artists' salaries are extremely inadequate and are undermining motivation.

Proposed Solutions: Our union noted that demands such as "combining salaries, bonuses, and incentives" are blocked by the existing legal framework. Instead, they indicated they are focusing on formulas such as a "duty compensation allowance" — one with a constitutional basis that would not affect other civil servant groups. A blanket pay increase was also raised as a demand.

2. Union Activities and Strategy

Inadequacy of the Current System: Union representatives emphasized that being the "authorized union" under the current Law No. 4688 carries no practical meaning, since demands are rejected at the commission stage with the response "not in compliance with legislation" and never reach the main bargaining table.

New Strategy: They stated their focus is shifting from quantity (membership numbers) to quality (merit-based and legally grounded case files). Their new strategy involves lobbying directly with the Presidency and relevant units to mobilize the Ministry of Finance.

3. The Need for New and Comprehensive Artists' Legislation

Most Fundamental Need: It was noted that existing laws do not recognize internal professional categories such as artist, director, or curator, which creates legal gaps and contradictory rulings in the courts.

Objective: If sector-specific legislation is enacted, the grounds for non-compliance with existing regulations will be eliminated.

4. Disciplinary Provisions and Incentive System

Incentive Problem: It was discussed that the current incentive system, due to low salaries, is given to all artists at some institutions, while at others it is used as a punitive tool.

Disciplinary Regulation: Regarding the new disciplinary regulation currently under preparation, both the union and the General Directorate stated they agree that a balanced system encompassing not only penalties but also a reward mechanism needs to be established.

6. Conclusion and Agreed Next Steps

At the close of the meeting, it became clear that our Union and the General Directorate had converged on opening a shared working space. Continuity of communication channels was agreed upon.

Both parties expressed their determination to continue high-level lobbying efforts through their respective channels on all matters, and to work jointly — managing the process together and fighting side by side, as in the past, to turn shared goals into tangible gains for the improvement of artists' rights.

Cultural Workers' Union