Third wage offer for 600 thousand public workers: New proposal from the government

The long-awaited third wage offer from the government side has arrived in the collective bargaining negotiations that directly concern 600 thousand public workers and their families. The government's new proposal has emerged in the ongoing negotiations between the Turkish Public Employers' Union of Heavy Industry and Service Sector (TÜHİS) and the labor confederations Türk-İş and Hak-İş.

The collective bargaining process began months ago when labor unions announced their proposals. However, the public side presented its first offer with a delay. The government's initial proposal of a 16 percent raise for the first 6 months, followed by 17 percent, received a harsh reaction from the unions. While Türk-İş brought the option of a strike to the agenda, Hak-İş gave the message, “We desire a peaceful resolution to the process.”

THIRD OFFER: 22 PERCENT RAISE

According to information reported by NTV correspondent Sibel Can, the government has increased the 17 percent raise it proposed for the first 6 months of 2025 to 22 percent. A formal agreement has not yet been reached, but it is reported that both sides intend to remain at the table and continue negotiations.

SEPARATE RATES FOR HIGH-RISK AREAS

Not only general wage rates but also demands specific to job sectors are on the agenda at the collective bargaining table. Sibel Can stated that requests for special improvements for those working in high-risk and heavy labor sectors have also been brought to the table. Additional raise demands that could reach up to 30 percent for these areas are being discussed.

Labor unions also reiterated their demand that the daily base wage be at least 1800 TL.