Turkey's private teachers demand 'floor wage' in ministry talks

Private sector teachers in Turkey are intensifying their campaign for improved working conditions, with a central demand being the establishment of a "floor wage." Following ongoing actions, representatives of these teachers participated in a second meeting convened by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

Eren Edebali, the General President of the Private Sector Teachers' Union, stated that a "floor wage" is essential, asserting, "There is no concrete gain without a floor wage." The meeting included officials from relevant ministries, employer associations, and education unions, addressing demands such as the floor wage, the removal of fixed-term employment contracts, and sector-specific regulations.

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There is no concrete gain without a floor wage.

Edebali described the situation as complex, involving multiple stakeholders and requiring consensus. He noted ambiguity regarding teachers' legal status, questioning whether they are considered public employees or solely governed by labor law. This uncertainty also affects employers, who are unsure whether to refer to the general Labor Law or specific legislation for private educational institutions (Law No. 5580).

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We are teachers, are we workers, are we Ministry of National Education personnel, or do we just work under the Labor Law?

The union's three main demands are the floor wage, the abolition of fixed-term contracts, and the regulation of the employment sector. Edebali highlighted that a further meeting is necessary to discuss the floor wage, particularly concerning tax and social security contributions, which differ from those in the public sector. Employers seek parity in these areas, and the Ministry of Finance's input is crucial. The union has proposed inclusive and realistic formulas aimed at moving beyond the minimum wage system.

Regarding tangible outcomes, Edebali stated that "currently, there is no concrete gain without the floor wage." However, he stressed the importance of the ongoing discussion, acknowledging the rising costs and the teachers' efforts to maintain their profession. He pointed out the growth of the private education sector alongside limited public employment, underscoring the need for suitable working conditions in private institutions. The negotiations affect approximately 12,500 workplaces and hundreds of thousands of education workers.

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There is no concrete gain in conditions where the floor wage does not come.