The Turkish government has officially announced the minimum wage for 2025, which will be set at 22,104 Turkish Lira (TL), representing a 30% increase from the previous year. This significant change was disclosed by Vedat Işıkhan, Turkey's Minister of Labor and Social Security, during the latest meeting of the Minimum Wage Determination Commission held at the Ministry.
Minister Işıkhan emphasized the importance of ensuring fair compensation for every worker, stating, "What is important is for every employee to receive what they deserve for their labor, proportionate to the nature of their work. It is also the right of our employers to remunerate labor at its true value." The announcement aims to strike a balance between employee welfare and employer competitiveness, though it complicates the financial dynamics of businesses.
Işıkhan articulated the aim of the government's broader economic vision, highlighting Turkey’s approach to fostering social justice, labor rights, and collaboration over the past 22 years under the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). He stated, "We are working to bolster the welfare levels of our citizens, especially those with fixed incomes, to preserve their purchasing power against inflation attacks." He reiterated the government's determination to combat excessive price hikes across marketplaces, intending to prevent wages from losing value swiftly, as has often been observed.
One notable change accompanying the wage announcement is the adjustment of wage support from 700 TL to 1,000 TL provided by the government for minimum wage earners, aimed at alleviating the cost of living for workers. This move reflects the state’s intent to support the worker's purchasing power amid rising inflation.
Despite the proclaimed benefits of this increase, the announcement has sparked considerable debate. TÜRK-İŞ, the main labor union representing workers, did not attend the meeting where the new minimum wage was set. This absence was notable, especially since they have been vocal about the need for higher wages—advocates within the union previously suggested the minimum wage should be as high as 29,583 TL to properly support workers and their families.
They have criticized the process, pointing out the lack of genuine negotiation from the government and employers throughout the discussions, asserting, "The determination of the minimum wage should enable workers and their dependents to maintain dignified living standards." TÜRK-İŞ has expressed dissatisfaction over what they perceive as government indifference to the financial struggles faced by workers due to soaring inflation.
Even with the government’s reassurances of solidarity and support for workers, the response from political figures and labor organizations has been skeptical. Critics, including opposition party members like Özgür Özel of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), decried the increase as inadequate, arguing it fails to meet the pressing cost of living challenges faced by millions of citizens. Özel remarked, "The announced figure is simply not enough to sustain life amid rising costs," signaling continued unrest and calls for more responsive wage policies.
The general public reaction has been mixed, with some welcoming any increase as beneficial during these economically challenging times, yet many remains deeply concerned over the adequacy of the new wage and the persistence of high inflation, which has eroded real income for many workers. Hakan Kara, former chief economist of the Central Bank (TCMB), noted on social media, "With inflation taken as considered, the real value of minimum wage seems back to levels seen ten years ago," indicating the problematic interplay between announced wage increases and real inflation outcomes.
Economists are particularly cautious, warning against the potential negative impacts of continued inflation should minimum wage levels not keep up. Observers suggest using adjustments not merely to reflect inflationary pressures but also to potentially restore real wage values lost over preceding years
