Social Security expert calculates what the minimum wage should be according to the law! 'Unfortunately, it won't happen...'
With only a few months left until 2026, the eyes of millions of employees are turned toward the Minimum Wage Determination Commission, which will convene in December. While the raise rate to be announced for the new year is a subject of great curiosity, economists and social security experts continue to share different forecasts. This time, the notable statement came from Social Security Expert İsa Karakaş.
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Karakaş, who frequently makes headlines with his predictions regarding the minimum wage and pensions, voiced a clear figure for the first time during a live broadcast he attended. Stating, "According to the law, this is how it should be, but unfortunately, it won't happen," Karakaş announced a minimum wage figure above expectations.
DEBATE REGARDING THE STRUCTURE OF THE COMMISSION
Evaluating the claims that there will be a change in the structure of the Minimum Wage Determination Commission, Karakaş stated that it would not make a difference in the foundation of the system.
"The commission consists of 5 members each. Even if the structure of the commission changes, would anything change? TÜRK-İŞ is there to represent the workers. HAK-İŞ also wants to participate. However, there cannot be 2 confederations. Even if there were, it would not affect the process of determining the minimum wage. Since the side where the President is located will be the government's side, there will still be no change in decision-making," he said.
According to Karakaş, even structural regulations will not change the result; because the final say will still rest with the government.
"MINIMUM WAGE SHOULD NOT BE BELOW 40 THOUSAND TL"
Speaking on the TGRT Haber live broadcast, Karakaş also touched upon the level the minimum wage should be at and used the following expressions:
"So how much will the minimum wage be? We expect an increase of at least 25 percent and at most 30 percent. It is difficult for it to even reach 30 percent.
What should it be? In my opinion, the figure that should be in the worker's pocket according to the law as of February should not be below 40 thousand TL."
Stating that the data announced by TÜRK-İŞ is realistic, Karakaş said the following:
"According to the tariff in the law, the figure required for a single worker to cover all their expenses, including rent, etc., is 36 thousand 305 TL as of September. These figures from TÜRK-İŞ are extremely modest figures. They are not exaggerated figures. In February, this figure will reach 40 thousand TL. For this reason, in my opinion, the minimum wage should be 40 thousand TL. However, unfortunately, it will not happen."
INFLATION AND PROGRAM TARGETS WILL BE DETERMINING FACTORS
According to the interpretation of economists, inflation rates will be the determining factor in the 2026 minimum wage raise. While the Medium-Term Program targets point to an expectation of an increase between 25 and 30 percent, the working class expects a much higher raise rate due to the rising cost of living.
THE EXPECTATION IS 40 THOUSAND TL BUT THE REALITY WILL BE COMPLETELY DIFFERENT...
Social Security expert İsa Karakaş's words have added a new dimension to the minimum wage debates.
While the statement "It should be 40 thousand TL according to the law" has caused a wide echo in public opinion, the words "However, unfortunately, it won't happen" have disappointed workers.
EYES TURNED TO DECEMBER
The decision to be made by the commission that will convene in December will determine the 2026 income and standard of living for millions of laborers.