Directly affecting millions of employees in Türkiye Whether the minimum wage will be increased again in July The issue continues to be on the agenda as the summer season approaches. In particular, the demands from opposition parties and the change in citizens' purchasing power have accelerated the question of "Will there be an interim increase in the minimum wage?"
Early Evaluation Statement from Minister Işıkhan
Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan made a statement regarding the interim increase demands regarding the minimum wage, "It is too early to talk about an interim increase in the minimum wage. We will make the necessary assessment when the time comes. It is too early for now." He used the expressions. Regarding the increases to be made to pensions, Minister Işıkhan said, “They will receive the increase differences resulting from inflation and CPI in July. We are not currently working on any issues regarding pensioners.” These statements show that the government is not inclined to make a new regulation on the minimum wage in the current situation.
Joint Demand from the Opposition and the Unions
Despite the ministry's stance, opposition parties and labor confederations continue to demand interim raises. According to Milliyet, CHP Chairman Özgür Özel visited the Hak-İş and Türk-İş confederations on May 31 and brought up this issue. In a joint statement, “The fact that the minimum wage was not increased in July is not an acceptable, bearable or tolerable situation. We expect the Minimum Wage Commission to convene immediately, to include all confederations in a comprehensive manner, to take into account the common demand produced by the three confederations, and to resolve this issue in a way that will also address the employer’s legitimate concerns, and to also ensure that the public takes responsibility.” An urgent solution was called for with the expressions. This call draws attention to the erosion of purchasing power in the face of inflation.
What is the Current Minimum Wage?
The minimum wage determined for 2025 was announced as 26 thousand 5 liras 50 cents gross. This figure is the net minimum wage 22 thousand 104 lira 67 cents The cost to the employer, when the employer's share of the social security premium and unemployment insurance premium is added to the gross minimum wage, is 30 liras and 556 cents. In addition, the minimum wage support provided by the state to employers for each minimum wage earner was increased from 46 liras to 700 liras.
The final decision on whether or not to make an interim increase in the minimum wage will likely be made in light of July inflation data and economic indicators, as a result of the evaluations of the government and relevant parties. For now, although there is no official interim increase study, the pressure from the public and unions continues.
