Türk-İş Reveals Minimum Wage Demand
The first proposal for the minimum wage increase has been revealed. Türk-İş, representing the worker side, made a statement regarding the minimum wage demand. The figure came after the third meeting on the minimum wage.
Ergün Atalay, the President of Türk-İş, stated that they are requesting an increase in the minimum wage by adding a 20% welfare share on top of the 45% inflation rate, saying, "Our proposed minimum wage is 29,583 lira."
Key points from Ergün Atalay’s speech:
In his statement regarding the minimum wage negotiations, Ergün Atalay addressed important issues. He noted that the expected figures from the government and employer side have still not been disclosed during the ongoing process, which has lasted for 19 days. He mentioned that about a week ago, four employees earning minimum wage were determined, and these employees have been informed about the relevant issues as part of the process.
In previous minimum wage negotiations, when figures were announced, no agenda was created; however, this time the lack of announcements has become a topic of discussion. Türk-İş finds the minimum wage determination process undemocratic and stated that the purchasing power of workers has significantly decreased.
Atalay expressed that they are expecting a figure from the government and employer side and are aware that the public is waiting for them to make a statement. He emphasized that due to the difficulty of living conditions, the minimum wage must be considered a subsistence wage and pointed out that the purchasing power of 11,000 TL would not even provide for a week's living expenses under current economic conditions.
He noted that while the government and employers have not made a statement, they are feeling pressure from the public. Referring to Mehmet Şimşek's statements regarding the positive state of the country's economy, he demanded a subsistence wage that could relieve workers.
Atalay stated that the necessary increase should be calculated by adding a 20% welfare share on top of the 45% inflation rate, indicating that the minimum wage should therefore be 29,583 TL. He expressed that they will accept this figure; otherwise, they will not sign any agreement.