Third Meeting on Minimum Wage Concludes: Was the Figure Discussed?

The Minimum Wage Determination Commission's third meeting has concluded. Contrary to expectations, neither the employee nor the employer side presented any figures, leaving the finalization of the minimum wage for the fourth meeting. The Minister of Labor and Social Security, Vedat Işıkhan, expressed that they are now waiting for both parties to bring forth a proposal.

The commission, which held its first meeting on December 10, had gathered for a second time on December 16. The third meeting commenced at 11:30, chaired by Minister Işıkhan. TÜRK-İŞ represented the workers, while TISK represented the employers. The absence of proposals from both the employer and employee sides at the meeting caused the process to be prolonged.

Expectation for the Fourth Meeting Minister Işıkhan stated that after receiving the proposals, he plans to meet with the chairpersons to make a final decision within the next week. Statements made after the third meeting suggested that both figures and outcomes could become clear next week.

What are the demands of the employee and employer sides? Ramazan Ağar, Deputy Chairman of TÜRK-İŞ, stated after the commission meeting, "We are the side demanding money, so the government needs to provide a figure." Ağar emphasized the living conditions of millions of minimum wage earners and pointed to the declining purchasing power. TISK General Secretary Akansel Koç expressed that they also want to consider the purchasing power of workers during the process.

When will the new minimum wage be announced? The Minimum Wage Determination Commission is required to announce the new raise rate by the end of December. The new wage is expected to be shared with the public between December 23 and 27. TÜRK-İŞ Deputy Chairman Ağar emphasized in his statement after the meeting that they demand the minimum wage to be set at a "livable" level according to current conditions.

Following the third meeting, all eyes are on the proposals that the representatives of TÜRK-İŞ and TISK will bring to the next meeting. Both employee and employer expectations will be taken into account in determining the minimum wage, and it is anticipated that the parties will reach a consensus. The commission will need to announce its decision no later than the end of December.