KESK Submits 20,000 Signatures to Ministry Demanding 35% Additional Raise

Turkey's public sector workers' union, KESK, has formally presented 20,000 signatures to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, demanding an immediate 35% pay increase. KESK Co-Chair Ahmet Karagöz stated that the signatures represent the struggles of millions of public employees facing severe financial difficulties, accumulated economic losses, and a demand for a just life. The union urged the government to stop ignoring their demands and halt the erosion of salaries. Members gathered outside the ministry, holding a banner that read "Collective agreement is void, urgent additional raise needed," and presented folders containing the collected signatures. Karagöz emphasized that the signatures voice the concerns of those struggling with rent, rising household costs, and educational expenses, rejecting a life of poverty. The union also criticized the Turkish Statistical Institute's (TÜİK) inflation figures, arguing that even by TÜİK's own adjusted numbers, inflation has not decreased over the past three years, while wages have significantly diminished. KESK contends that the current collective agreement has become invalid, as inflation targets set for 2026 and 2027 have already been surpassed according to official data. They are demanding a revised additional raise to address the discrepancy.

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These signatures are behind the livelihood struggles of millions of public employees. These signatures are behind the economic losses accumulated over years. These signatures are behind the demand for a decent life and justice. Do not ignore the demands of public employees any longer. Stop the erosion of our salaries. Meet our demand for an additional raise immediately.