Ergün Atalay speaks out on minimum wage and inflation

While the AKP government has closed the doors to an interim hike in the minimum wage, Türk-İş President Ergün Atalay made statements regarding new tax regulations, the minimum wage, and inflation.

Speaking to Saygı Öztürk from Sözcü, Atalay said, “I have not seen or experienced a period in 25 years where inflation has crushed people this much.”

"AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE MINIMUM WAGE IS MANDATORY"

Stating that an improvement must be made to the minimum wage, Atalay said, "We are going through the most difficult and troubled period of recent years. Inflation must be stopped, and an improvement in the minimum wage is mandatory. If inflation is not stopped, any improvement made will not last even a month. Wage earners and retirees are in great distress. Previously, regulations were made to give fixed-income earners some breathing room. We want these regulations to be implemented."

Speaking about the new tax regulations of the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, Atalay said, "One of our most important problems is tax injustice. We want those who earn less to pay less tax and those who earn more to pay more. We are hanging this banner at our headquarters, our affiliated unions, and everywhere their branches are located."

Atalay continued his statement as follows:

“Today, the main problem for workers is related to taxes. Since the beginning of the year, we have been bringing the tax issue to the agenda, and we are fighting with flyers, posters, and banners for those who earn less to pay less tax and those who earn more to pay more. They work for 12 months, but 1.5 months of their income goes to taxes, meaning they effectively receive 10.5 months of salary. The Ministry of Treasury and Finance will make regulations regarding taxes. There is a need for regulations in favor of workers. On this issue, as the Türk-İş, Hak-İş, and DİSK confederations, we will fight together to ensure tax justice. Our demands are common. When the tax proposal comes to parliament, we will meet with party leaders, and we will hold comprehensive meetings in our union branches in provinces and districts, and everywhere there are workers. Our only wish is a fair tax system.”

News Source: 12punto