Minimum wage expectations have been revealed
As the public eagerly awaits the determination of the 2026 minimum wage, both workers and employers have voiced their expectations. Statements from Diyarbakır have called for figures exceeding 30 thousand liras, taking into account rising living costs and high labor expenses.
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As expectations regarding the 2026 minimum wage continue to rise, both workers and employers have expressed their views. Increasing costs, high inflation, and living expenses are among the critical factors in determining the minimum wage.
EMPLOYER EXPECTATIONS FROM DİYARBAKIR
Diyarbakır Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DTSO) President Mehmet Kaya acknowledged that the current minimum wage is insufficient and drew attention to the balance between workers' rights and employer costs. While emphasizing that the minimum wage should be raised to improve the quality of life, Kaya stated that special support is necessary for employers in labor-intensive sectors. Kaya said, "The cost of one worker to the employer is at least around 1 thousand dollars. However, in the countries we compete with, these costs do not exceed 500 dollars," adding that high labor costs make competitive conditions difficult.
STATE SUPPORT IS ESSENTIAL
Kaya stated that unless state support is provided alongside the minimum wage increase, many businesses face the risk of closure. He expressed that the tax and insurance burden, especially in labor-intensive sectors, must be eased. Kaya said, "Increasing the minimum wage will lead to employers closing their factories. However, if tax and SGK support are provided, this increase could be sustainable."
THE DIFFICULT SITUATION OF TRADESMEN AND CRAFTSMEN
Confederation of Turkish Tradesmen and Craftsmen (TESK) Deputy Chairman Alican Ebedinoğlu stated that there has been an employment loss of over 50 percent in Diyarbakır. Emphasizing that high inflation and living costs have left tradesmen in a difficult situation, Ebedinoğlu said that the state must support them. Stating that "the cost of a minimum wage worker to the employer is around 50-60 thousand liras," Ebedinoğlu expressed that tax and insurance support must be provided.
THE THREAT OF FIRMS FLEEING ABROAD
Textile factory owner Serdar Dalkıran stated that raising the minimum wage would challenge not only the worker but also the employer. Dalkıran noted that the state must support industrialists, saying, "Even if the minimum wage were 100 thousand liras, firms would close and workers would not be able to find a place to work."
Workers who cannot make ends meet with the minimum wage expect a high increase in 2026. Textile worker Ferit Gezici stated that the minimum wage should be raised but that this would not be enough, saying, "It is almost impossible to make a living with the minimum wage in the face of inflation."
EXPECTATIONS ARE ABOVE 30 THOUSAND LIRAS
Another textile worker, Esra Turan Taylan, expressed that she expects the minimum wage to be over 30 thousand liras. Taylan said, "It is not possible to make a living with 22 thousand liras today, especially with high rents. If it becomes 30 thousand liras, perhaps living standards could improve a little more."
IT SHOULD BE SET AT 35 THOUSAND LIRAS
Zelal Çiftkuran said, "The minimum wage needs to be at least 35 thousand liras. No one can make a living below this," demanding that the salary increase be high enough to keep up with inflation.