Can different minimum wages be applied in different cities?

Kocaeli University Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Ferhat Pehlivanoğlu was a guest of the host Abdurrahman Yazıcı on Haberler.com. In the program, where it was stated that the minimum wage is the same across Turkey despite the cost of living in different cities, alternative solutions were discussed.

Host Yazıcı asked his guest, "Should the minimum wage be the same in all cities? Can different wages be applied in different cities, and should they be?" Emphasizing that regional minimum wage has many benefits but also carries some risks, Prof. Dr. Pehlivanoğlu said, "If we switch to a regional minimum wage, a fairer income distribution can be achieved." Pehlivanoğlu continued his statements as follows:

At first, it may seem like injustice. The cost of living in large cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir is not the same as in other cities. The cost of living shows significant differences by region. Unfortunately, housing, food, and transportation costs are higher in large cities. In some regions of Anatolia, these costs are lower. Since we are experiencing an inflationary environment, this situation may be felt differently in many places, but the transportation, housing, energy expenses, and food costs in large cities are higher.

There are both advantages and disadvantages to regional minimum wage. If we switch to a regional minimum wage, a fairer income distribution can be achieved. In regions with low living costs, the burden on employers may decrease, which can encourage employment. As for the disadvantages; the principles of workplace peace or equality may be harmed. The perception of social injustice may increase if people doing the same job in different cities receive different wages. Workers may initiate migration to higher-wage regions. Imbalances may occur in local labor markets.