The government has announced a significant increase in the minimum wage, effective as of September 1. The new rate represents a 19% rise to account for the increased cost of living, resulting in a net monthly minimum wage of 35,180 TL (Turkish Lira) and a gross wage of 40,436 TL. This adjustment translates to a gross minimum wage of 1,064 Euros.
The decision to raise the minimum wage by 5,664 TL was passed by a majority vote. Notably, while the workers’ representatives and the state approved the measure, the employers’ delegation was absent from the meeting where the decision was made.
Hür-İş President Serdaroğlu, speaking on behalf of the workers, emphasized the need for measures to prevent price increases and called for stricter inspections to ensure the new minimum wage has a meaningful impact on workers’ lives.
On the other side of the debate, the Employers’ Union expressed concerns about the wage hike, stating that the new minimum wage would severely undermine business competitiveness.
