Tackling automotive supply chain challenges in Türkiye

Labour rights in the automotive supply chain took center stage at a workshop held on 25-26 November in Türkiye. Bringing together key stakeholders from Türkiye and Germany, the event included participants from trade unions, works councils, vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, government representatives, employers' associations, and civil society organizations.

Kemal Özkan, IndustriALL Global Union assistant secretary general, emphasized the pressing need for transparency and accountability in the supply chain. He highlighted the challenges workers face, like exploitation, long hours and health and safety violations.

"We need to go beyond grievance mechanisms and implement mandatory frameworks to ensure real improvements on the shopfloors of the automotive industry,"

he said, also stressing the importance of replicating successful multi-stakeholder approaches, like the ACT initiative in the textile sector, to promote freedom of association and collective bargaining.

Yasser Hassan, director of the ILO office for Türkiye, emphasized the importance of social dialogue in navigating transitions in the automotive sector, including the shift to electric vehicles.

"Social dialogue is the foundation for decent work and sustainable growth. It requires robust frameworks, empowered actors, and a genuine commitment to collaboration,"

Hassan said.

Ulrike Geith, head of corporate social responsibility at the German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, underscored the strong economic ties between Türkiye and Germany. She noted that new due diligence legislation in the EU and Germany presents an opportunity to strengthen social dialogue and human rights protections in supply chains.

Christina Hajagos-Clausen, IndustriALL director of the textile and garment sector, introduced the ACT initiative as a model for systemic solutions. Its emphasis on aligning purchasing practices with workers' rights offers valuable lessons for the automotive supply chain.

"ACT has shown that responsible purchasing practices and collective bargaining agreements can create stable production models,"

she said. She highlighted the need for ensuring that grievance mechanisms are jointly developed by unions and employers.

After the opening focusing on the importance of accountability in supply chains, the workshop explored practical solutions and collaborative discussions through breakout groups.

The groups provided a platform for participants to engage directly with case studies, exploring issues that workers regularly face in Türkiye. The groups shared both challenges and good practices while enabling participants to understand the problems from the perspectives of different stakeholders at a more practical level. Discussions underscored the critical importance of freedom of association, social dialogue, responsible purchasing policies and occupational health and safety as key elements for achieving a common understanding and sustainable solutions.

A concern raised by Turkish trade unions is the severe impact on workers when unions lack power or representation within a company, often exacerbated by loopholes in Türkiye's judicial system.

Participants continued to brainstorm actionable solutions to improve labour conditions in the automotive supply chain while aligning with due diligence requirements. The discussions focused on three critical areas: training, communication, and awareness-raising; social dialogue and mediation; and grievance mechanisms.

Georg Leurert, IndustriALL auto director, reflected on the evolving landscape of human rights due diligence, noting that grievance processes have significantly improved.

"Today, we have fast feedback and engagement from OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), compared to months in the past. This is a crucial step forward,"

he said.

Leutert called on all stakeholders to build on the momentum generated by the workshop, emphasizing the importance of long-term commitment and continued collaboration to achieve systemic change in global supply chains.

The workshop concluded with a strong sense of shared commitment to addressing the challenges within global automotive supply chains. Reflecting on the discussions, Kemal Özkan reinforced the transformative power of collaboration through social dialogue and multi-stakeholder approaches. He noted that tackling supply chain issues requires collective action, particularly in countries like Türkiye, where unique risks and labour challenges persist. The productive discussions highlighted the importance of fostering trust and respect among the diverse stakeholder group that came together at the workshop.

Özkan praised the practical steps identified during the forum, such as strengthening grievance mechanisms, aligning purchasing practices with workers' rights, and building capacity for social dialogue. He acknowledged the incremental nature of the process but expressed optimism about the progress made and the collective willingness to continue this vital work.

"This workshop marks a significant milestone in our journey towards more transparent and equitable supply chains. It is only the beginning, but the willingness to collaborate at sector level and the strategies developed here provide a strong foundation for the future,"

Özkan concluded.

The workshop was organized by IndustriALL, with support and collaboration from IG Metall, the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ), and the German Automotive Branch Dialogue.