The first meeting of the Minimum Wage Determination Commission has begun

Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan made statements ahead of the first meeting of the Minimum Wage Determination Commission today.

Minister Işıkhan noted the following in his statement:

As the Minimum Wage Determination Commission, consisting of worker, employer, and public representatives, we are starting our work as of today to determine the minimum wage that will be effective from January 1, 2024.

I believe that our commission meetings will take place with a common mind and consensus, based on the understanding of cooperation, open communication, and fair evaluation, which are the foundations of the social dialogue we have built to date. The minimum wage is the most important social policy tool that determines the lower limit of wage policies for our employees in working life. Because the minimum wage indirectly affects all incomes, it is an important issue that concerns not only those working for the minimum wage but all sectors, all employees, and all employers.

The determination of the minimum wage has a special importance in terms of labor market dynamics such as unemployment and informal employment, as well as industrial peace. In this context, I would like to state that regardless of the conditions, we will continue our fight against both informal employment and unemployment. With the effect of the general recovery and renewed growth process in the economy, we expect a much more encouraging increase in employment next year.

We will work to determine the 2024 minimum wage at the most reasonable level through social dialogue and consultation, a level that will grow our economy, ensure our employees' incomes are not crushed by inflation, and protect and increase employment. Our main goal is to act as an arbitrator and determine the minimum wage with the consensus of our workers and employers. While making its evaluations, the commission also takes into account the general level of wages and the living conditions of our workers. The commission also makes this determination by considering the economic and social conditions our country is in while setting the minimum wage.