Proposal for 1,000 lira raise for civil servant salaries sparks debate: 'Proposal will drive us to the streets'

The 8th Term Public Collective Bargaining negotiations, which will determine the salary increase rates for civil servants and civil servant retirees for 2026 and 2027, are ongoing.

Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan met with Memur-Sen Chairman Ali Yalçın, Türkiye Kamu-Sen Chairman Önder Kahveci, and Birleşik Kamu-İş Chairman Orhan Yıldırım.

During the negotiations, the Public Employer Delegation proposed a 1,000 lira increase to the base salaries of civil servants, in addition to the previously proposed 10 percent + 6 percent raise for 2026. However, this proposal was found insufficient by union leaders.

"THE AMOUNT IS EXTREMELY WRONG"

In his statement after the meeting, Memur-Sen Chairman Ali Yalçın said, "The address is correct, but the amount is extremely wrong," and reminded that they had demanded a 10,000 lira raise.

Yalçın stated, "This proposal does not meet expectations and will drive our unions to the streets."

He also emphasized the need to ensure income justice and eliminate wage imbalances.

Türkiye Kamu-Sen Chairman Önder Kahveci stated that the proposed 1,000 lira increase would not solve anyone's problems, adding, "It is impossible for us to accept this figure." Kahveci expressed that it is imperative for a new proposal to be submitted without delay.

The unions announced that if a negotiable proposal is not presented, they will hold a strike on August 18 and organize a large rally in Ankara. Calling on the Public Employer Delegation to submit a new proposal, Yalçın said, "We want the process to evolve positively."

News Source: 12punto