Nike workers in Türkiye lace up for strike over fair deal

Workers at Nike retail stores across Türkiye are preparing to strike on 21 March as negotiations for a renewed collective agreement have stalled. Koop-Is, UNI Global Union’s Turkish affiliate, has been negotiating with Nike Türkiye for months but has rejected the company’s latest proposal which falls below industry standards and the cost of inflation.

Koop-Is and Nike Türkiye signed the first-ever collective agreement for Nike store workers in the country in March 2022. However, since it expired on 30 September 2024 the two sides been unable to reach a new deal. Key points of contention include the disciplinary committee, food allowance, bonus, job security and seniority premium.

Eyup Alemdar, President of Koop-Is, reaffirmed the union’s commitment to its members and the collective bargaining process:

“Our strike decision is a manifestation of our determination to defend our members’ rights and improve their working and living conditions. We remain open to constructive dialogue, but the employer must adopt a reasonable approach and respond to the expectations of our members.”

UNI has written to Nike’s global leadership, urging Treasure Heinle, EVP & Chief Human Resources Officer of Nike Global, to intervene and help secure a fair settlement. Koop-Is says Nike Türkiye management has repeatedly claimed they lack decision-making authority and that ultimate approval must come from Nike’s global headquarters. UNI has also proposed to facilitate discussions between the parties.

Mathias Bolton, Head of UNI Commerce, stated:

“We fully support our Turkish affiliate Koop-Is in their just fight to renew a fair collective agreement for Nike retail workers in Türkiye and call on the company to return to the negotiation table with an offer that truly reflects the value of its workforce. We also urge Nike’s global management to step in and ensure a resolution to this dispute.”