Bad news for retirees: The risk of zero raises

While debates continue over raises for pensions and the minimum wage, it has been announced that, in line with data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), SSK and BAĞ-KUR retirees are entitled to an 8.2 percent raise. Inflation data for the coming months is awaited to determine the final raise rates.

Speaking to HaberTürk, SGK expert Murat Göktaş stated that, based on inflation data from the last six months, he anticipates that SSK and BAĞ-KUR retirees will receive a 14.92 percent raise. Göktaş said, "This means an increase of at least 14.92 percent for SSK and BAĞ-KUR retirees."

LOWER RAISES FOR CIVIL SERVANT RETIREES 

Göktaş stated that a different situation applies to civil servants and civil servant retirees. 

He noted that within the scope of collective bargaining and inflation difference applications, civil servant retirees are set to receive a 6 percent raise in January, and they expect a total increase of around 11 percent when combined with the inflation difference. Göktaş said, "Civil servants and civil servant retirees will receive lower salary increases than those under SSK and BAĞ-KUR."

FEAR OF ZERO RAISES 

Göktaş emphasized that there is a risk of zero raises in January for retirees whose base pension is between 8,500 TL and 12,500 TL, stating the following: 

"If a special regulation is not made in January, those in this salary range will receive no raise at all. This is because even if a raise is applied to someone receiving an 8,500 TL pension, the figure will not exceed 12,500 TL. Therefore, a special regulation regarding base pensions is essential in January." Göktaş pointed out that as the lowest pension is increased, the gap between salaries narrows, signaling the necessity for new regulations.