Reaction from Civil Servants Confederation President Kaya: We do not accept any increase

Civil servants and retireesheld a protest in Ankaradue totherising cost of living, the decline in purchasing power, and the inadequacy of salary increases.Led by the Civil Servants Confederation,the protest was organized to draw attentionto the economic difficultiesfaced by publicemployees and civil servant retirees. A pressstatement was held for this purpose.Civil Servants Confederation President Osman Kayastated thatcivil servants and retireesare struggling to meet their basic needs,and called for a restructuring of wage policiesunder the slogan'Fair Wage, Dignified Life'. Civil servants and retireesalso participated in the protest held in front of theMinistry of Treasury and Finance."CIVIL SERVANTS AND RETIREESARE LEFT TO STRUGGLEWITH

LIVELIHOODDIFFICULTIES" TIR"

Stating that civil servants and retired civil servantsare left to struggle withlivelihood difficulties and calling on authorities tocorrect this situation,Civil Servants Confederation President Osman Kaya said, "Just now, the inflation rate announced byTÜİK (Turkish Statistical Institute) was declaredas 0.89 percent.As a result of this figure, the raise deemed appropriatefor civil servantsremained atthe level of 18.61 percent.We recognize these figures. These figures are the mathematical cover for the bread missing from our tables, the cost cut from our children's pocket money, and the peace missing from our homes. The party responsible for this is none other than the authorized confederation that signed off on these rates at the collective bargaining table. Today,the raise rate received by all civil servants and retired civil servantsisthe work of the authorized confederation, which has lost the will to represent public employees and has not been able to go a step further than being a mere figurehead at the table. Making civil servants and retired civil servants pay the bill for the existing inflation in the country's economy is not just an economic error, but also a great social collapse.Policiesimplemented under the guise of fighting inflation have left civil servants and retirees to struggle with livelihood difficulties," he said. 

"WEDO NOT ACCEPT ANYINCREASE WITHOUTTHE ADDITION OF AT LEAST A 30 PERCENT WELFARE SHARE.THE WELFARE SHAREGRANTED IN 2023 MUST BE IMMEDIATELY REFLECTED IN BASE SALARIES AND INCLUDED IN PENSION PAYMENTS."Kaya continued his remarks by emphasizing that the current economic conditions are unsustainable for public employees.He stressed that the purchasing power of civil servants has eroded significantly.Hedemanded immediate corrective measures.He concluded by stating that they will continue to fight for the rights of all public workers.Theconfederation remains committed to its demands.

THEDEMANDFOR A FAIR WAGE INCREASEISCRITICAL.WE DO NOT ACCEPT ANY INCREASE" Listing the demands of civil servants and retired civil servants, Kaya emphasized that the livelihood difficulties of civil servants and retirees will continue, stating, "In a country where the hunger threshold is 30,143 liras, the so-called salary increase deemed appropriate for civil servants leaves the civil servant, who is the backbone of public service, and the retired civil servant, who has spent years serving the state, in deep despair.

In an environment where the poverty threshold is 98,188 liras, the gap between a civil servant's salary and the poverty threshold is proof of how difficult a process the middle class is going through. These salaries are far from the cost of a human life. If a fair raise is not given to the civil servant, then the burden of mandatory expenses on the civil servant must be lightened. Since you are forcing us into these salaries, then the state should provide support for a portion of the electricity, water, natural gas, telephone, and internet bills of civil servants and retirees. Public transportation should be free for all public employees, housing should be allocated, and partial rent support should be provided in regions where housing is not available. Only in this way can a civil servant lift their head from the swamp of debt and breathe. As the Civil Servants Confederation, we reiterate once again. We do not accept any increase that does not include at least a 30 percent welfare share. The welfare share granted in 2023 must be immediately reflected in base salaries and included in pension payments. The 3600 Additional Indicator, as promised, must be implemented. We are waiting for the necessary steps to be taken without further delay. Our struggle for the rights of our members will continue until these demands are met. The economic conditions have become unsustainable for the public sector. We call on the authorities to listen to the voice of the civil servants. The current situation is unacceptable. We will continue to voice our concerns on every platform. The dignity of the civil servant must be protected. We expect a constructive approach from the government. 

The time for empty promises has passed. Concrete steps are needed immediately. Our members are struggling to make ends meet. Inflation has eroded our purchasing power significantly. We demand a living wage for all. The welfare of our employees is our priority. We will not remain silent in the face of these injustices. The government must take responsibility. We are ready to negotiate for a better future. Our demands are clear and justified. We hope for a positive outcome. The future of our public service depends on this. We will continue to stand by our members. Thank you for your attention.as it should be, for all civil servants who reach the first degree,it must be implementedwithout any exceptionsor conditions.Four bonuses, each equal to one month's salary, two of which should be given during religious holidays,must be provided," he said.