The Minimum Wage Has Reached 22,104 TRY
The Minister of Labor and Social Security, Vedat Işıkhan, stated, "We have determined the minimum net wage effective from January 1, 2025, as 22,104 Turkish lira." The process of setting the new minimum wage, which directly affects 7 million workers and indirectly concerns the entire society, has concluded. The Minimum Wage Determination Commission, composed of representatives from workers, employers, and the government, held its initial meeting on December 10, the second meeting on December 16, and the third meeting on December 19 to work on establishing the minimum wage for 2025.
The fourth meeting of the Commission, chaired by Minister Vedat Işıkhan, commenced at 20:30. During the meeting hosted by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, Minister Işıkhan announced the minimum wage applicable for 2025.
Speaking at the Commission, Minister Işıkhan conveyed that safeguarding and enhancing the purchasing power of all segments of society, especially fixed-income citizens, is one of the primary objectives. Işıkhan remarked, "Being fair to our employees is not only an obligation but also a necessity for economic success and stability. With this understanding, we can ensure equity in working life, social justice, and respect for labor, thereby promoting both labor peace and societal welfare, as well as the development of our country."
Işıkhan mentioned that the work was carried out in a constructive manner with all Commission members, stating, "I believe we have successfully managed this process together, which increases the welfare of our workers, maintains the competitiveness of our employers, and strengthens our country's economic stability and social development. We have tried to determine the most balanced level by assessing not only the proposals of our employee and employer representatives but also the macroeconomic and conjunctural dynamics. I would like to thank all Commission members who contributed to this process, as well as our employee and employer representatives once again."
"We have determined the minimum net wage effective from January 1, 2025, as 22,104 Turkish lira." Minister Işıkhan expressed his wishes that the amount established as a result of the Commission meetings will be beneficial for all citizens, especially for those subject to minimum wage and their families, adding, "I would like to share the minimum wage that will be effective for 2025 with you. As you know, in 2024, the minimum wage, together with the 700 Turkish lira minimum wage support provided by our state, was 17,002 Turkish lira. Now we have determined the minimum net wage effective from January 1, 2025, as 22,104 Turkish lira."
"The employer support has increased from 700 Turkish lira to 1,000 Turkish lira." Işıkhan stated that the amount for employer support has also been updated, saying, "We have increased the minimum wage support we provide as a state for each minimum wage earner from 700 Turkish lira to 1,000 Turkish lira. May it be auspicious and beneficial for our country and our esteemed nation. With these figures, we have implemented a 30% increase in net minimum wage compared to the previous year. Additionally, we have raised the minimum wage to nearly four times its real value since 2002. Our state will continue to stand by workers, employers, and all citizens with all its institutions and organizations."
TÜRK-İŞ did not attend the meeting. TÜRK-İŞ, representing the worker side in the Minimum Wage Determination Commission, decided not to participate in the recent meeting held at the Ministry. In a statement from TÜRK-İŞ, it was mentioned: "During the extraordinary meeting of the TÜRK-İŞ Board of Presidents on December 19, 2024, developments were evaluated under the agenda of 'minimum wage.' Worker representatives participating in the Commission asserted that the minimum wage should be 29,583 Turkish lira. The TÜRK-İŞ Board found the prepared proposal reasonable and balanced, deciding that if an offer below this threshold were made, there would be no participation 'at the table.' Up to now, there has been no proposal from either the government or employers in response to TÜRK-İŞ's proposal. The Minimum Wage Determination Commission has been called for a meeting on the evening of December 24 'for a decision.' The TÜRK-İŞ Management Board has decided not to attend the meeting which was held without any prior information regarding the minimum wage proposal."