Minister Bilgin announces salary increase and minimum wage statement for public workers
Minister of Labor and Social Security, Vedat Bilgin, recently spoke about the minimum wage and the ‘raise bargain’ affecting over 700,000 workers. During an interview on Haber Global, Bilgin highlighted several key points, including the need to intervene in favor of labor during collective bargaining processes. The government intends to release more information about how reconciliation was achieved at the bargaining table during a press conference with President Erdogan.
Bilgin went on to discuss the minimum wage, pointing out that as the minimum wage increases, all wages tend to rise. He also noted that the minimum wage has not been taxed for a year and a half, and in July, they will aim to adjust it to preserve its real purchasing power. The minister said that they’re ready to increase the minimum wage to approximately $500, which will be the highest amount in Turkish Republic history.
Another topic the minister touched upon was the early retirement issue or EYT, which has been a problem for nearly 20 years. The government plans to remedy this issue by allowing approximately one million people receiving bonuses and accumulated salaries for remaining wages. Additionally, Billgin addressed the ‘internship’ polemic, stating that apprenticeships are different, but internships are part of education and not part of an employment contract.
Lastly, the government plans to apply a gradual increase in pensions as they work to maintain positive discrimination between seven thousand and ten thousand liras. These changes are part of the country’s ongoing efforts to improve economic conditions and promote labor rights.
