06/12/2023 | Writer: Selma Koçak
The “Equality Department”, which will be set up by DİSK-affiliated United Metalworkers’ Union through a board decision, will also be in charge of equality on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.
The Equality Department planned to be set up by Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions of Turkey (DİSK)- affiliated United Metalworkers’ Union, will include equality on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.
According to the amendment to the statute law adopted at the 21st Ordinary General Assembly of United Metalworkers’ Union, an Equality Department will be set up in the union and a quota proportional to the number of women members will be introduced in the compulsory bodies of the branches.
Journalist Sevgim Denizaltı of Kadın İşçi (The Woman Worker), followed the 21st Ordinary General Assembly of the DİSK-affiliated United Metalworkers’ Union and noted that although the union’s new executive committee is made up entirely of men, two significant changes were made to the statutes that represent gains for women in the union: Equality Department and women quota.
The mission statement of Equality Department is as follows:
“It ensures the elimination of inequalities and discrimination that may arise from gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration, disability, language, religion, ethnic origin, etc. in the public and private spheres, particularly in working life, and the creation of a trade union culture, language and working environment based on equality.
It carries out awareness-raising activities on gender equality, especially equality between women and men, develops trade union policy, takes initiatives to implement legislation and works to shape public opinion. It coordinates activities to ensure equality within the union.”
Tags: human rights
