The Turkish Competition Board has formally launched a full investigation into 37 undertakings operating in the automotive supply industry alongside two major sector associations over alleged labor market anticompetitive practices. The decision follows a preliminary inquiry into claims that businesses within the sector entered into illegal no-poach agreements and routinely exchanged sensitive internal labor data.
According to the official announcement, the board uncovered sufficient evidence suggesting that companies established informal “gentlemen’s agreements” designed to prevent hiring each other’s employees. Additionally, the inquiry revealed indications that sensitive information regarding employee remuneration packages, salary levels, and broader employment terms was shared among competitors. These activities were allegedly facilitated through meetings and communications held under the auspices of the TOSB Automotive Supply Specialized Organized Industrial Zone and the TAYSAD Automotive Suppliers Association of Türkiye.
Determining that these practices present serious risks of restricting competition in the labor market, the Board voted on August 13, 2026, to initiate formal proceedings under Paragraph 1, Article 4 of Act No. 4054 on the Protection of Competition.
The extensive list of target companies features prominent domestic and international supply chain entities, including Autoliv Cankor, Beyçelik Gestamp, Denso, Farplas, Toyota Boshoku Türkiye, Toyotetsu, and ZF Sachs. Both TAYSAD and the TOSB Organized Industrial Zone have also been included as associations of undertakings.
The Turkish Competition Authority noted that the initiation of an investigation does not constitute a final finding of guilt or an immediate financial penalty against the named entities. The probe will proceed to determine whether a statutory violation occurred.
