Minimum wage negotiations to begin in December

The Minimum Wage Determination Commission will meet in the first week of December to determine the minimum wage for 2026. The commission consists of representatives from the Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (TÜRK-İŞ), the Turkish Confederation of Employer Associations (TİSK), and the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. However, worker representatives will not be at the table this year.

WORKER REPRESENTATIVES WILL NOT BE AT THE TABLE

TÜRK-İŞ and HAK-İŞ have announced that they will not attend the meetings unless changes are made to the structure of the commission. TÜRK-İŞ President Ergün Atalay stated that they would not participate in the commission as long as a fair arrangement is not made. HAK-İŞ President Mahmut Arslan made a similar statement, confirming their decision not to participate following discussions with TÜRK-İŞ.

STATEMENTS BY MINISTER IŞIKHAN

Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan emphasized that the commission would meet in December and that reaching a consensus among the parties within the framework of social dialogue is their primary priority. Işıkhan said he believes a level will be determined that will protect both the welfare of employees and the production power of employers.

CURRENT MINIMUM WAGE

The minimum wage determined for 2025 is applied as a net 22 thousand 104 lira 67 kuruş for a worker. The total cost to the employer is 30 thousand 621 lira 48 kuruş. The new minimum wage is planned to be determined by December 31 and to come into effect as of January 1, 2026.

CALENDAR TO BE DETERMINED AT THE FIRST MEETING

At the first meeting to be hosted by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, a calendar regarding the process will be established. In subsequent meetings, economic data and the expectations of the parties will be evaluated. The commission is expected to hold four meetings.