ARBITRATION BOARD MUST SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RESTORE ITS REPUTATION

As Memur-Sen, we have consistently stated that, to date, the Public Servants Arbitration Board has functioned more as a “Public Employer Arbitration Board,” acting as a notary rather than delivering impartial and fair decisions. For this reason, we have not trusted the Board.

Consequently, we decided not to submit the 8th Term Collective Bargaining Agreement to the Arbitration Board and did not file an application. However, the Public Employer has, for the first time, deviated from established practices by submitting the case to the Board themselves. As a result, the arbitration process has officially commenced as of today.

Millions of public servants are now closely watching the Arbitration Board. It is the Board’s responsibility to ensure that the 58 articles recorded in the Meeting Minutes through mutual agreement are fully accepted, and that other proposals—including proportional salary increases, raises to the base salary, and welfare allowances—are evaluated and decided fairly. This will establish wage balance in the public sector, ensure equitable income distribution, maintain labor peace, promote tax justice, and strengthen family welfare.

This process presents a crucial opportunity for the Arbitration Board to restore its tarnished image and reputation. The Board must use this moment to demonstrate integrity and impartiality.

Had the law not contained systemic flaws, the implementation of the 58 agreed-upon articles would not have been left to the Board’s discretion. Indeed, it is no longer possible to conduct collective bargaining under the current trade union law. A new Trade Union Law must be enacted—one that guarantees the right to strike, ensures full freedom of association, structures the Arbitration Board to make independent decisions, and establishes a fair and functional collective bargaining system.