A CASE STUDY ON FORGOTTEN LABOR UNION PUBLICATIONS: ÇALIŞAN ADAM MAGAZINE

Abstract

The 1970s represent a decisive period of economic and social transformation in recent Turkish history. This study aims to determine the role of the Hotel, Restaurant, and Entertainment Venue Workers' Union (OLEYİS) within social democratic unionism and to evaluate the ideological impact of its publication, Çalışan Adam magazine, during this era. To this end, a categorical content analysis based on historical context was conducted. The magazine's significance and widespread influence are highlighted by the fact that it was named by Bülent Ecevit and featured prominent figures from the 1970s intellectual and publishing world, including Faruk Erginsoy, İlhan Selçuk, Mehmed Kemal, Anıl Çeçen, and Turhan Selçuk. Due to the absence of a complete collection in Turkish libraries and archives, this research also fulfills the mission of preserving and bringing to light a forgotten chapter of labor history. The content analysis demonstrates that, in 1970s Turkiye, unionism was not merely a struggle for economic rights but also possessed an intellectual dimension aimed at raising political awareness. Çalışan Adam targeted not only workers but also youth and intellectuals, helping to clarify the concepts of "social democracy" and "democratic left". Within the Cold War environment, social democracy was defined as a pro-labor development model and a rational "third way". These theoretical frameworks exhibit strong parallels with Ecevit's contemporary writings and the arguments found in Republican People's Party (CHP) publications. An analysis of OLEYİS's historical trajectory between 1947 and 2010 suggests that the union adopted a pragmatic approach, adapting to prevailing trends and establishing a robust institutional identity and ideological vision through its publishing activities.

Keywords: Çalışan Adam Magazine, OLEYİS, Social Democracy, Democratic Left, Content Analysis