Countdown for minimum wage begins: Commission meets

Work to determine the new minimum wage to be applied in 2025 has officially begun today.

The first meeting of the Minimum Wage Determination Commission, held at the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, took place at 16:00.

MINISTER IŞIKHAN: 'WE WILL LISTEN TO THE DEMANDS OF WORKERS AND EMPLOYERS'

During the meeting, negotiations will be held with worker and employer representatives to determine the new wage.

Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan, who initiated the process, made statements, saying, “We will listen to the demands of worker and employer representatives. We will continue to share our constantly increasing prosperity with our beloved nation.”

Highlights from Minister Işıkhan's statements are as follows:

"We will listen to the views of worker and employer representatives. Our constantly increasing prosperity is returning to our beloved nation. By analyzing conditions such as the inflation rate, the purchasing power of our citizens, the needs of labor markets, and economic growth, we hope to determine a fair minimum wage that considers the satisfaction of both worker and employer sides.

Increases made to the minimum wage have not only acted as a shield against inflation but have also increased purchasing power. Our constantly increasing prosperity is returning to our beloved nation as more employment. Our current employment data is the most important indicator. With the steps we have taken to strengthen working life in line with the Medium-Term Program (OVP), employment reached 32 million people in October. Employment has seen its highest level in history. We will continue to pursue policies for young people and women to take on more roles in working life.

Under the leadership of our President of Turkey, our country has become a leader in the region and a country with a say in the world with its production and exports. Our employers are the actors who pave the way for power and provide employment. We have reached these days by keeping the dynamics of the economy strong, turning the wheels of production by walking side by side.

"IN OUR VISION, SWEAT IS SACRED"

In our vision, sweat is sacred, and capital is the engine of development. A system that combines the labor of the worker with the investment power of the employer in the same pot will be the starting point for Turkey's development.

We reject the confrontational approach that pits sweat against capital. Because we can only realize Turkey's great development move with a system where workers and employers join hands. The Century of Turkey vision is an ideal put forward by the will of social justice, solidarity, and growing together.

We act with an understanding that centers on people, labor, sweat, and solidarity. We are striving to implement a model that aims to grow in solidarity without disconnecting the individual from society in working life. We must adopt approaches that are based on social benefit, not individual interests.

"THE MARKET IS NOT INDEPENDENT OF SOCIETY"

Humanity is the foundation of every structure. There are people at the foundation of businesses as well. We can build the future when we invest in people and employees. This process creates a chain reaction that will strengthen the economy and society, not just the business. We reject the lack of foresight. One of the biggest misconceptions is that the market turns into a structure independent of society. We do not see employees only as part of the production process. In the Century of Turkey vision, the labor of every citizen is valuable.

The prerequisite for respecting the labor of employees depends on fair work and fair wage policies. An employee should receive a return for the effort they put forth. I hope that the 2025 minimum wage to be determined will bring goodness."