Expectations for an additional minimum wage hike have increased

Problems in the fields of economy and social security continue to maintain their place on Turkey's agenda. Sharing his views on a television program, Social Security Institution (SGK) expert İsa Karakaş brought to the agenda the points that the working world cannot resolve and the grievances frequently voiced by citizens.

Drawing attention to the scale of the problems, Karakaş stated, "Grievances regarding social security in working life are at an extreme level. They come to us and to you constantly. There are many viewers who say, 'We are not being mentioned.' That is why it is necessary to list the aggrieved segments one by one."

Stating that among the top issues awaiting resolution since 2023 are demands such as gradual retirement and the inclusion of internship and apprenticeship periods in retirement, Karakaş said that in the public sector, the 3600 supplementary indicator regulation and personnel salary imbalances stand out as significant problems. He expressed the wait of the civil servant segment with the words, "You take the university exam, you pass the KPSS, you enter career professions, but they say that at the point we have reached today, we have remained far below the salaries of workers in the public sector. A personnel reform has not been carried out for 25 years. Civil servants waiting for the 3600 supplementary indicator have not been able to retire for 4 years."

DEMANDS AWAITING RESOLUTION IN SOCIAL SECURITY

According to Karakaş's assessments, the demand for regulation and innovation is not limited to civil servants and workers. While approximately 1 million tradespeople are demanding the equalization of Bağ-Kur premiums, housewives have expectations such as premium discounts and retirement rights. Furthermore, it was emphasized that issues regarding tax restructuring, changes in alimony practices, and the status of subcontracted workers should also be tied to a schedule.

IS AN INTERIM HIKE FOR THE MINIMUM WAGE ON THE AGENDA FOR JULY?

Answering the question of whether the possibility of an additional hike to the minimum wage in July is on the table, Karakaş stated that there is no legal obstacle. In his explanation based on technical data, he said, "According to the definition of the minimum wage, it should be at a level that meets all the basic needs of a worker. This is around 42,585 TL today. However, the current minimum wage is 28,000 TL. In other words, an increase of approximately 51.7% is required. Serious hikes have come to items such as energy, and purchasing power has melted rapidly. Therefore, the possibility of an interim hike may come to the agenda."

Analyzing the expectations regarding pension salaries, Karakaş noted that he predicts the inflation figures for the next three months will bring a difference of approximately 15% to SSK and Bağ-Kur retirees, and 10-11% to civil servant retirees.

RETIREES HAVE THEIR EYES ON THE FLAT-RATE HIKE SCHEDULE

Commenting on when expectations for a flat-rate hike for retirees might be met, the expert stated that considering current economic conditions and budget balances, such a regulation is difficult in July 2026. Karakaş pointed to 2027 as the earliest possible date for a flat-rate hike to occur.

In light of these assessments, it is stated that it seems difficult to resolve current problems in the short term without taking serious structural steps in working life and the social security system.

News Source: 12punto