Minimum Wage Commission Overrules Employer Objection, Sets Minimum Wage at 35,180 TL
The Minimum Wage Determination Commission in Northern Cyprus has announced its decision on the minimum wage after discussing objections by the Turkish Cypriot Employers’ Union. The Commission has decided by a majority vote that the previously determined minimum wage figure should remain valid.
At its meeting on September 18, the Commission set the minimum wage at 40 thousand 436 TL monthly gross and 35 thousand 180 TL net. This decision will be officially published in the Official Gazette today and will be effective as of September 1.
During the meeting, Minister of Labor and Social Security Sadık Gardiyanoğlu highlighted the concerns raised by the employers regarding the high cost of living in the country. He stated that measures need to be taken swiftly to address rising living expenses and ensure a balance in salaries. Prime Minister Ünal Üstel is expected to announce the measures to be implemented in response to these concerns.
Representing the employer side, Alp Cengiz Alp from the Turkish Cypriot Employers’ Union expressed the challenges faced by employers in dealing with inflation and rising costs. He emphasized the impact of cumulative inflation on the minimum wage and the strain it puts on businesses in the country.
On the other hand, Hür-İş Federation President Ahmet Serdaroğlu raised concerns about the impact of price increases in essential services like electricity on competition. He also called for a collaborative effort between workers and employers to address government policies that contribute to rising costs.
After the discussions, questions from the press were addressed, clarifying that the decision on the minimum wage was not related to any political events such as the timing of the UBP Congress. The focus remains on finding sustainable solutions to address the economic challenges faced by both employers and workers in Northern Cyprus.
