Minimum wage on the government's table is below the hunger threshold! Here is the figure being discussed behind the scenes

The government plans to increase the minimum wage for 2026 by 25 percent, bringing it to 27,630 TL. However, this increase carries the risk of remaining below the hunger threshold. According to a report by Sözcü, the hunger threshold calculated by Türk-İş in November 2025 was set at 29,828 TL. In this case, for the minimum wage to remain above the hunger threshold, it would need to be raised by at least 45 percent to 32,067 TL.

Last year, the minimum wage was announced as 22,104 TL and was set 7.5 percent above the hunger threshold. However, this year, the government's planned raise rate could cause the minimum wage to fall below the hunger threshold. Türk-İş President Ergün Atalay has decided not to attend the meeting to be held this week where the minimum wage will be finalized. This situation limits the participation of worker representatives in the process.

DETERMINATION OF THE MINIMUM WAGE

The Minimum Wage Determination Commission held its first two meetings to determine the minimum wage for 2026 without worker representatives. The new minimum wage, which will be determined by state and employer representatives, is expected to be between 27,000 and 28,000 TL. It is estimated that the hunger threshold will rise to 30,424 TL by the end of December, which could cause minimum wage earners to start the year 2,800 TL in the red.

The government's planned raise rate may prove insufficient against inflation and could lead to the minimum wage falling below the hunger threshold again in a short time. This situation appears likely to cause millions of workers to face economic hardships.

News Source: 12punto