14.11.2025 17:07
Discussions about the minimum wage are ongoing. Dr. Ayhan Bülent Toptaş, a retired economic expert from the Central Bank, stated, "While the pie is shrinking, changing this or that part of the commission may be a very temporary solution. On one hand, we need to think about how to grow this pie again." Citizens, on the other hand, said that the minimum wage should be raised to at least the range of 40,000 to 45,000 lira for a decent living.
As the end of the year approaches, discussions continue regarding the minimum wage increase that concerns millions of workers. This year, while the unions representing the workers announced that they would not participate in the Minimum Wage Determination Commission, the way the increase will be determined and how much the average increase will be remains a matter of curiosity.
Speaking to ANKA News Agency on the subject, retired economics expert Dr. Ayhan Bülent Toptaş from the Central Bank of Turkey stated that holistic solutions, rather than daily ones, need to be developed. Citizens expressed that the minimum wage should be at least in the range of 40-45 thousand lira.
"WORKERS FORM THE MOST SENSITIVE GROUP ON THIS ISSUE"
Toptaş pointed out that a commission without worker representation is "illogical," stating, "This would be a development contrary to the logic of determining the minimum wage. Because the minimum wage commission is formed by the state, employers, and workers. However, workers form the most sensitive group on this issue. They are the segment in the weakest position, especially facing inflation and the struggle for survival. Therefore, they must be represented. A solution must be found for this as well," he said.
"IT COMPLICATES EVERY KIND OF COMPROMISE"
Commenting on the claims that changes will be made to the structure of the Minimum Wage Determination Commission, Toptaş suggested an "intermediary" proposal, saying:
"When you look at it, we see that the state and employers are in the majority against the worker segment. Commission members who can act as intermediaries can be determined. Perhaps university professors or individuals from labor law-related courts can be included in the commission. This way, expertise can be provided. There has been a deterioration in the Turkish economy since 2013. This economic deterioration complicates every kind of compromise. On one side, there are employers. Employers state that they are in a difficult situation, especially due to the recent economic tightening, and they constantly bring this up. On the other side, workers are increasingly crushed under economic pressures. So, while the pie is getting smaller, changing this or that part of the commission may also be a very temporary solution. While we think about how to reach a compromise on this issue, we also need to consider what is causing this shrinkage of the pie and how we can grow this pie again."
"THERE IS A NEED FOR SOLUTIONS OUTSIDE THE COMMISSION"
Evaluating whether there will be a table without the government, Toptaş stated, "The commission we have seems appropriate, with the state as an arbitrator, on one side employers, and on the other side workers. For the first time, such a significant disagreement is being experienced. Therefore, even if you change these balances or the structure of the commission, finding a solution is very difficult because the root of the issue is economic. It is not so easy to say that this problem can be solved with a structure that has such a composition. Because both the employer and worker segments are under great pressure. There is a need for solutions outside the commission," he said.
"AN INCREASE OF OVER 30% IS NECESSARY"
Toptaş emphasized that at least a 30% increase in the minimum wage is necessary, stating:
"I think an increase of over 30% is necessary at this time. But saying this is easy. Because the employer segment constantly states that they are in a very difficult situation. Therefore, finding and providing this 30 thousand lira is quite challenging. I think we will face many problems in the coming months. But on the other hand, this minimum wage issue is part of a much larger picture. That picture needs to be corrected."
"NEXT YEAR MAY BRING SOCIAL PROBLEMS"
Toptaş stated that if the increase is made according to the targeted inflation, it will bring many social and cultural problems, saying:
"The targeted inflation was announced as 16% in the medium-term plan. This would be very low. Let's say it was set at 26-27 thousand lira. However, this may lead to very serious social problems arising next year. We are already seeing a deterioration in social terms. Economic, social, political, and cultural fields are all interconnected. Therefore, you can keep it fixed if you want. In other words, you can use your power. But ultimately, this has many social, economic, and cultural consequences. People no longer have the strength to endure, and we are seeing the reflections of this in some way. Our economy needs to be re-evaluated and quickly improved, as in the strong economy transition program."
"RENT HAS ALREADY REACHED 25 THOUSAND LIRA"
Citizens from Izmir also expressed their expectations regarding the minimum wage for the new year to ANKA News Agency. Mustafa Yıldız stated that the minimum wage should be in the range of 40 thousand lira to make ends meet, saying, "The minimum wage should be at least 40-45 thousand lira. That's what we expect, but I don't think they will do it. If they do, the most they will do is set it at 27-28 thousand lira. They won't do anything more. Rents have already reached 25 thousand lira; we can't make ends meet," he said.
"ANYTHING BELOW 30 THOUSAND WON'T HELP"
Mehmet Yılmaz stated that if the minimum wage rises to around 28 thousand lira, the struggle for survival will continue, saying, "It has never met our expectations, but there is nothing we can do; anything below 30 thousand won't help. 28 thousand is not enough; how will it be enough for these people? We have already given up on our humanity; we think about our children, we say let them live, but unfortunately, no one thinks about them; they only think about themselves," he expressed.
"AT LEAST 40 THOUSAND LIRA"
Selçuk Çelik drew attention to the costs, stating, "In this difficulty, it should be at least 40-50 thousand lira. Because you pay 500 lira for a pasta, 200-300 for a coffee. If you want to eat a dessert, it’s again 300-400 lira. These are now ultra-expensive, and 22-23 thousand lira is not a budget that can cover these. Especially for us young people and the younger generation in high school, it is impossible. The minimum should be 40 thousand lira, but they should not raise it due to inflation. Now they could set the minimum wage at 50 thousand lira, but if they raise the costs, it won't mean anything. They need to keep the costs down while raising the minimum wage. I don't think there is any other way," he said, commenting on the claims of 28 thousand lira circulating in the corridors:
"It would be like giving pocket money. It would be a figure that seems like 'this monthly is from us.' Other than that, it wouldn't have any extra effect. And when they give that 28 thousand, who knows how much they will raise prices in the market. They will take it back from us as 30-35 thousand lira."