Minister Işıkhan Comments Ahead of Critical Meeting on Minimum Wage Countdown
Countdown has begun for the minimum wage determination process, which directly affects 7 million employees. With only 8 days remaining until the meeting that will bring together representatives from the worker, employer, and government in the Minimum Wage Determination Commission, all eyes are on the statements of Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan regarding the minimum wage that will be implemented in 2025.
Minister Vedat Işıkhan stated that the expectations of both the worker and employer sides are taken into account during the minimum wage discussions. Işıkhan announced that the Minimum Wage Determination Commission will convene on December 10 to establish a common wage, in line with the approach of "not letting citizens be burdened by inflation." He emphasized that this meeting is an important step in determining the amount that will provide maximum benefit to both workers and employers.
Regarding the increase rates of minimum wage in previous years, Minister Işıkhan reminded that the minimum wage for 2024 was set at a net of 17,002.12 TL, reflecting a 49% increase compared to the previous year. He noted that the net minimum wage, which was 184.25 TL in 2002, has nominally increased by 92 times by 2024, indicating a real increase of 309% during this period.
Işıkhan also added that, as of October 2024, there has been a real increase of 212% compared to 2002. The minister mentioned that they have been striving to protect the purchasing power of citizens, especially over the last three years, by keeping the minimum wage above the inflation rate.
Support for workers through employment and social security premium subsidies was also highlighted by Minister Vedat Işıkhan. He stated that they are standing by the working class with employment and social security premium supports. He expressed that steps have been taken to protect and support workers' social rights during the minimum wage determination process.
The minister emphasized that changes are made based on the outcomes to enhance the effectiveness of these supports. He stated that the same sensitivity will be adopted in the upcoming meeting, affirming that they will proceed with a fair and sustainable approach in determining the minimum wage.