Türkiye: Labour rights violations spark historic strike at Hapimag Sea Garden Bodrum

A major labour dispute at the Hapimag Sea Garden Hotel in Bodrum has escalated into a significant strike, as hundreds of workers walked out following the breakdown of collective bargaining negotiations. Organized under the Toleyis union, the strike began on April 24, 2026, after negotiations that started on January 26, 2026 failed to produce an agreement, largely due to the employer's refusal to present a meaningful offer.

While negotiations reportedly stalled due to the employer's failure to present a meaningful offer, the dispute is driven by far more serious concerns. Workers, supported by national and international trade unions, have accused management of systematic violations of trade union rights.

These allegations are now substantiated by an official inspection report by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, which identifies clear and serious breaches of labour law. The report documents direct employer interference in union affairs, including management contacting workers individually to pressure them to resign from the union. It further points to discriminatory practices linked to union membership and actions that undermine the integrity of the collective bargaining process.

According to Toleyis, the report establishes that, following the mediation phase, the employer offered wage increases and holiday bonuses on the condition that workers resign from the union-an act that clearly constitutes unlawful anti-union pressure. It further finds that at least 136 workers were subjected to such practices in 2026, confirming a systematic pattern rather than isolated incidents. The employer was consequently found to be in violation of Turkish law on Trade Unions and Collective Bargaining Agreements, and administrative sanctions were imposed.

Such findings confirm a pattern of anti-union behaviour rather than isolated incidents. They stand in clear violation of internationally recognized labour standards, including ILO Conventions on freedom of association and collective bargaining, as well as to Hapimag's own stated commitments to human rights.

The strike, involving more than 300 workers, is widely regarded as unprecedented in Bodrum's tourism industry and is already drawing widespread solidarity from trade unions and civil society.

The IUF Acting General Secretary and the EFFAT-IUF Europe General Secretary have sent two letters to the President of Hapimag AG in Switzerland to report these practices and request immediate action from the parent company to put a stop to them.