Third wage offer for public workers: Union finds government's proposal insufficient

The government has presented its third offer in collective bargaining negotiations covering workers employed in the public sector, including in hospitals, universities, ministries, railways, highways, and power plants.

According to the new proposal, a 24 percent raise was suggested for public sector workers for the first 6 months of 2025. For the second 6 months, it was proposed that the raise rate be determined based on realized inflation.

Although this development is considered a new step in the long-running negotiation process, it was not received positively by union representatives.

THE FIRST TWO OFFERS HAD DRAWN CRITICISM

The government's initial offer was for a 16 percent raise for the first 6 months of 2025 and 8 percent for the second 6 months.

These rates were rejected by Hak-İş and Türk-İş, who deemed them "detached from reality." The second offer was announced as a 17 percent raise for the first 6 months and 10 percent for the second 6 months.

However, these rates also failed to meet the demands of the labor unions. The unions are demanding an increase that will protect the purchasing power of public sector workers in the face of financial hardship, the high cost of living, and rising inflation.

NEGOTIATIONS TO CONTINUE ON MONDAY

As no agreement could be reached between the parties, the negotiations were postponed. The next meeting is expected to be held on Monday, July 22.