Critical date set for minimum wage: 'Tuesday or Wednesday...'

Efforts to determine the minimum wage to be applied in 2025 are nearing an end. The minimum wage, which directly concerns more than 7 million workers and indirectly the entire society, will be finalized at the fourth meeting to be held by the Minimum Wage Determination Commission this week.

FINAL MEETING THIS WEEK

The first of the negotiations hosted by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security was held on December 10, the second on December 16, and the third on December 19.

According to the report by AA, the fourth and final meeting is expected to take place on Tuesday or Wednesday, and the new figure is expected to be announced.

TÜRK-İŞ AND EMPLOYER DEMANDS

While the current net minimum wage is applied as 17 thousand 2 liras, TÜRK-İŞ has demanded the addition of a 45 percent inflation adjustment and a 20 percent welfare share to the minimum wage. This demand envisions increasing the new minimum wage to 29 thousand 583 liras. The employer side, however, does not look favorably upon this demand and wants the minimum wage employer support to continue increasing.

The government's approach is of critical importance in this process. The negotiations are expected to continue until a consensus is reached between the parties.

POSSIBLE RAISE SCENARIOS

The possible raise rates discussed in the public eye and the estimated minimum wage figures based on these rates are as follows:

30 percent raise: Net 22 thousand 103 liras

35 percent raise: Net 22 thousand 953 liras

40 percent raise: Net 23 thousand 803 liras

45 percent raise: Net 24 thousand 653 liras

50 percent raise: Net 25 thousand 503 liras

HOW IS THE MINIMUM WAGE DETERMINED?

The process of determining the minimum wage is carried out by the 15-member Minimum Wage Determination Commission, which consists of representatives from workers, employers, and the government, as required by law. The commission meets on dates determined by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

For the commission to make a decision, the participation of at least 10 members is required, and decisions are made by majority vote. In the event of a tie, the side on which the chairperson is located is considered to have the majority.

Currently, the minimum wage for one worker is applied as a monthly gross of 20 thousand 2 liras and 50 kuruş, and a net of 17 thousand 2 liras and 12 kuruş after deductions. Its total cost to the employer for one worker amounts to 23 thousand 502 liras and 94 kuruş. This includes additional costs such as social security premiums and the employer unemployment insurance fund.