May 1, 2026: Growing economy, melting workforce! Turkey's true picture
In Turkey, May 1 is overshadowed by economic data and worker deaths. As the share of national income received by laborers falls, the minimum wage remains below the hunger threshold, and the unionization rate remains at a limited level.
12punto
May 1, 2026. The day of labor and solidarity.
But is there really a holiday to celebrate for the workers?
Let us take a brief look at the situation of laborers in Turkey on this Labor Day.
In 2002, the share of national income received by laborers was 40%.
Today, it is around 35%.
Globally, the share of labor varies between 52-54%.
If we look at the figures from TÜİK, the economy is growing, but the worker's share continues to shrink.
In other words, the country's wealth is flowing to capital.
In 2002, half of the workforce were wage earners.
Today, it is over 70%.
More people are living on a salary now…
but the value of those salaries is falling.
Turkey has become a country of minimum wage earners.
The lowest minimum wage is 28 thousand liras.
The hunger threshold for a family of four is 34 thousand liras.
Society is being crushed under inflation.
The difference, once again, goes into the pockets of the wealthy.
As of 2026, the unionization rate is around 15%.
The organization of workers is being obstructed.
Labor is working harder.
It is receiving a smaller share.
And it is being driven to death.
In 2025, 2105 workers were driven to their deaths.
6 workers lose their lives every day.
In the first 3 months of this year, 432 workers were torn from life.
That is the picture.
Today is May 1, 2026…
Istanbul is under blockade again, and the squares are closed once more…
Prepared by: Sercan Meriç