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TÜRK-İŞ responds to 'regional minimum wage' calls: 'Extremely risky proposal'
🇹🇷 Turkey /Economy & Trade

TÜRK-İŞ responds to 'regional minimum wage' calls: 'Extremely risky proposal'

From Cumhuriyet · () Turkish

Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Context piece
  • TÜRK-İŞ, a major Turkish labor confederation, strongly opposes proposals for a regional minimum wage.
  • The confederation argues that such a system, previously attempted in the 1960s, would be detrimental to workers and society, leading to division and increased tensions.
  • TÜRK-İŞ also criticized the current minimum wage determination process and highlighted that the existing minimum wage is insufficient for a decent living.

TÜRK-İŞ, Turkey's largest labor confederation, has issued a strong rebuttal against recent calls from some employers to implement a regional minimum wage. The confederation asserts that these proposals stem from a desire for increased profits rather than genuine concern for workers, labeling the idea "extremely risky."

Extremely risky proposal

— TÜRK-İŞDescribing the proposal for a regional minimum wage

Recalling that a regional minimum wage system was attempted in the 1960s and resulted in negative consequences, TÜRK-İŞ pointed out that Turkey transitioned to a national minimum wage system in 1974. The confederation argues that reviving this discussion after nearly 60 years offers no benefit to laborers. "Bringing regional minimum wage to the agenda or defending it is detrimental to the worker, the laborer, and the country," the statement read, urging all those who sustain themselves through labor to oppose such plans.

TÜRK-İŞ contends that a regional minimum wage would create divisions among workers and exacerbate societal tensions, thereby damaging social harmony. The confederation views the proponents of this idea as having malicious intent. Instead of regional differentiation, TÜRK-İŞ insists the focus should be on transforming the minimum wage into a living wage that allows for a dignified existence.

Bringing regional minimum wage to the agenda or defending it is detrimental to the worker, the laborer, and the country.

— TÜRK-İŞIn a written statement opposing regional minimum wage proposals

Furthermore, TÜRK-İŞ expressed dissatisfaction with the structure and decisions of the Minimum Wage Determination Commission, noting their absence from the 2026 commission proceedings as a protest. They reiterated that the current minimum wage of 28,750 Turkish Lira is inadequate for supporting a family. The confederation criticized employers who deem this amount excessive, stating that demanding a regional minimum wage is merely another way for them to express a desire for greater profits at the expense of workers' well-being.

Some bosses find the current figure too high.

— TÜRK-İŞCriticizing employers who oppose the current minimum wage
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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