Retirees gather in squares for income justice: 'We are not asking for charity, we are demanding our rights'

Retirees, who made their voices heard through simultaneous press statements across Turkey, pointed out that the struggle for livelihood is becoming more difficult every day. In a statement made by the All Retirees Union, it was expressed that under current economic conditions, retirees are living below the poverty line, and that problems have become insurmountable due to rising costs of living and low pension increase rates.

Recently, rallies attended by hundreds of people were held in 8 different regions, primarily in Istanbul, Bursa, Aydın, Mersin, Kayseri, Trabzon, Karabük, and Dikili, and it was stated that approximately 50 thousand people supported the actions. This participation was also evaluated as an indication that retirees will no longer remain silent against the negative conditions they are experiencing.

In the statements, it was emphasized that retirees are demanding their fundamental rights in unity, and the desire for a humane life stood out on the placards carried in the rally areas. Drawing attention to the constant increases in the most basic needs such as electricity, natural gas, rent, transportation, and food, it was stated that current pension increases are insufficient to alleviate this burden.

Union representatives stated that the base pension application has caused grievances for retirees for years, and that percentage-based raises do not meet their needs. The demand that an urgent flat-rate raise of 20,000 TL be granted to all retirees without discrimination was voiced from the squares. It was pointed out that this demand is not only an economic but also a humanitarian and social necessity.

Another criticism came regarding holiday bonuses. It was stated that the holiday bonus, which was introduced as 1,000 TL in 2018, corresponded to approximately 62 percent of the minimum wage at that time, but that the 4,000 TL paid to retirees today is far behind this ratio. It was argued that if the ratio were maintained today, the holiday bonus should be at least 17,500 TL.

It was claimed that the lack of any preparation for improvements in bonuses before the Eid al-Adha holiday shows how indifferent the authorities are to the livelihood struggle experienced by retirees.

All Retirees Union officials argued that although the state claims it cannot find resources for retirees, it provides tax breaks and debt relief to various sectors, and that public resources are distributed unequally. In the statement, the message, “We, who have contributed to production for years, are not asking for charity, we are demanding our rights,” was highlighted. The union stated that retirees' demand for rights will continue uninterrupted and that they will continue their struggle in the squares.

News Source: 12punto