The place of women in trade union organization in Turkey

The aim of this study is to conduct research on the level of representation of women in labor and civil servant unions. The question of whether women have a place in trade union organization will be answered in the research. The literature shows that the women's organizational structure in trade unions in the world and Turkey is mostly absent and the representation rate in management levels is very low. Based on this situation, a literature review was carried out on women's structuring in trade unions and basic problems were put forward. Afterwards, interviews were conducted with the most important workers 'and civil servants' Confederations in Turkey, TÜRK-IŞ, HAK-IŞ, DISK, MEMUR-SEN, TÜRKIYE KAMU-SEN, KESK and affiliated trade unions using in-depth interview technique with 33 trade unionist women working in various management positions of trade unions in accordance with the qualitative research method. Women's participation in trade union activities is low and women are not adequately represented in the management levels. The main reasons of the literature are the dominant male-dominated structure in trade unions, the social roles attributed to women, the sectors in which women work are not conducive to unionization, the unions do not show sufficient interest in solving women's problems, and the fact that women do not look at unionization due to the glass ceiling problems. Based on these reasons, findings were obtained in parallel with the literature within the scope of the research.; it has been concluded that the male-dominated structure in trade unions is heavy, that there is a lack of prejudice and trust in women, that the increase in the number of women managers and the increase in the number of women members is directly proportional, and that cooperation with international organizations has a positive effect on women's structuring. Recently, it has also been observed that women's organizational structures and representation levels in trade unions have increased compared to before. However, this increase has mostly not reached the level of qualified, but is still not sufficient. In line with all these, trade unions should increase the number and structure of women managers together with the charter guarantee. It should develop projects aimed at increasing women's participation in trade unions. Policies for women should be established in the work-family-union triangle. Key Words:Trade Union, Trade Union Organization, Women