Türkiye: Full support for the AFP journalists' strike for fair wages

On 6 July, journalists and media workers at the AFP Istanbul bureau will go on strike after management refused to accept their demands for fair wages during collective bargaining negotiations. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) express solidarity with the striking journalists and their affiliate, Türkiye Gazeteciler Sendikası (TGS), and are calling on AFP to meet their demands.

Credit: TGS.

The fourth term of collective bargaining negotiations between AFP and TGS began in February 2026. During the negotiations, TGS presented two proposals to management. The first included a 32.4% wage increase, corresponding to the official inflation rate, though remaining below the actual increase in the cost of living. This was accompanied by a one-off additional bonus payment. The alternative option requested a 40% wage increase.

However, the management of AFP refused the demands for fair wages and made a counter-offer of a 25% wage increase, which is below the official inflation rate, as well as a one-time payment of €1,500. TGS rejected the counter-offer.

Following the inconclusive outcome of the statutory negotiation period, a mediation process was initiated. This process was conducted by a mediator appointed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. These negotiations also remained inconclusive. On 15 June, TGS officially announced that journalists and media workers would be striking for fair wages. The strike is set to begin on 6 July.

In 2023, unionised journalists and media workers went on strike on 3 May, World Press Freedom Day, after AFP refused to ensure fair wages during the collective bargaining negotiations with TGS. The nine-day strike ended in victory, with the journalists' and media workers' demands being met.

TGS General Secretary and EFJ Steering Committee member Banu Tuna said: "A standard of living befitting human dignity is also part of press freedom. A journalist who is worried about paying their rent and bills cannot be mentally free. We want a future where our members can work without fearing for their survival-that's all."

IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said: "We stand with the AFP workers and TGS, who have decided to strike in order to secure the fair wages they deserve. The achievements of our colleagues in their 2023 strike, which also sought fairer pay , and their commitment to strike again in 2026 demonstrate that, as long as we remain united and fight for our rights, we will succeed. We call on AFP to meet the workers' and TGS's demands. Quality journalism cannot exist without decent working conditions and fair wages.