Minister Işıkhan discusses the problems of 'giving a rate for the minimum wage': 'It should not cast a shadow on their will'

The 'Common Tomorrows Award Program', organized for the 6th time this year by the Turkish Confederation of Employer Associations (TİSK), took place with the participation of Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz and Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan. Within the framework of the program, held with the theme 'The Future of Working Life', the aim was to spread awareness of corporate social responsibility and increase the visibility of projects implemented with this awareness.

Delivering an opening speech within the framework of the program, Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan reminded that the program was held last year with the theme 'Working Life in the 100th Year of the Republic'. Stating that the program was organized this year with the theme 'The Future of Working Life', Işıkhan noted that social responsibility projects of a Turkey that addresses future goals would be evaluated.

Emphasizing the importance of the 'Common Tomorrows' projects, Minister Işıkhan stated, "It is a fact that the understanding of 'Common Tomorrows', which is also the starting point of this platform, necessitates common goals and a common vision. At the same time, common tomorrows can be built with sustainable, inclusive, and innovative initiatives. I believe that, as in past periods, new ideas will emerge today that will contribute to the common future of our country and our nation, especially in working life."

LISTED HIS WISHES REGARDING THE MINIMUM WAGE

Reminding that the Minimum Wage Determination Commission will begin its work on December 10 with the participation of representatives of our worker and employer unions, Minister Işıkhan said, "We hope that the minimum wage to be determined by the Commission will be formed with a balance that considers both the welfare of our employees and the sustainable production capacity of our employers. We hope that this balance will be shaped in line with our understanding of social justice and our economic development goals. We act with the awareness of our responsibility to protect the rights and interests of all stakeholders of employment, from worker to employer, and we are building a consensus worthy of working life in the Century of Turkey together."

"IT SHOULD NOT CAST A SHADOW ON THE COMMISSION'S WILL"

Stating that everyone is looking for an answer to the question of how much the minimum wage will increase, Işıkhan said, "Of course, both employer and worker representatives have minimum wage figures in their hearts. However, as you know, the minimum wage is determined by the Minimum Wage Determination Commission. Our employer and worker organizations can convey their ideas and thoughts to the representatives in the Commission. The members of the Commission will evaluate these ideas and proposals together. Giving a rate in advance should not cast a shadow on the will and sensitivity of our Minimum Wage Determination Commission. Because the commission is a structure where all social stakeholders are present. The minimum wage that will be valid from January 1, 2025, will be determined by the will of all members."

Minister Işıkhan added that they will continue to walk towards the goal of a working, producing, and fully independent Turkey together with entrepreneurs, investor firms, employers who support employment, and social stakeholders.

"WE RECEIVED NEARLY 300 APPLICATIONS"

TİSK Chairman of the Board Özgür Burak Akkol stated that they determined the main theme of the program as 'The Future of Working Life' and said, "This year, we received nearly 300 valuable applications from approximately 100 institutions, from the public sector to the private sector, from non-governmental organizations to educational institutions. We would like to thank all the institutions that put in the effort and create value for our country."

Akkol stated that the projects were evaluated in 8 different categories this year, noting that each category was very special in itself and that they were important topics for TİSK.

The program continued with the speech of Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, following the speeches of Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan and TİSK Chairman of the Board Özgür Burak Akkol.