Trainees and apprentices who were not included in the EYT scope say they feel aggrieved and continue to follow the latest developments. Below you can read about the most recent updates regarding trainee and apprenticeship issues and gain more detailed information.
Latest Developments
After the EYT regulation was approved in the Grand National Assembly, many people who were waiting for EYT welcomed the news. Trainees and apprentices who have repeatedly appealed to authorities across various channels expressed both their relief and frustration at not being included in the scope of the law.
Young apprentices and trainees who worked to gain early experience want their insurance periods to count toward retirement, for the obstacles to retirement to be removed, and for their grievances to be resolved.
Although they hoped this injustice would be corrected before the election, trainees and apprentices who did not receive a response organized actions on Twitter and appealed directly to officials. They sent petitions and letters to relevant institutions, including the Presidency and CİMER, and described the problems they face. Many gathered in multiple cities to hold press statements demanding their right to retirement.
However, the parliamentary recess caused by the election meant the issue was left unresolved while those who have long fought for retirement rights saw the legislative process pause before their concerns were addressed. This left trainees and apprentices deeply disappointed.
Across social media, those affected used slogans such as “no internship, no vote,” emphasizing that resolving their grievance would strongly influence how they vote. With the presidential and coalition contests expected to be fiercely competitive, it is anticipated that neither major alliance will ignore the hundreds of thousands of votes held by affected trainees and apprentices and their families.
Associations for Trainees and Apprentices Established
Associations for Trainees and Apprentices Affected by the EYT Exclusion have been founded in many cities across regions such as Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir, Sakarya, Kocaeli, Bilecik and Bursa. Trainees and apprentices continue to campaign through multiple channels to remedy this injustice as soon as possible.
CHP Recognizes Trainees and Apprentices’ Plight
Muhammed Alperen Oruç, President of the Social Security Trainees and Apprentices Assistance and Solidarity Association, and association members visited the CHP İzmit District Organization and met with CHP parliamentary candidates from Kocaeli. Presidential candidate and CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu stated, “When we come to power, internship and apprenticeship insurance will count as an SGK start date.”