26.07.2025 13:11
The 2025 harvest season has begun in Tire, the fig paradise of İzmir, and the search for workers has intensified. According to the tariff announced by the Tire Agricultural Chamber, "guard" workers who will work on fig farms with accommodation will be paid a total of 90,000 TL for 33 days. The daily wage for pickers and gatherers has been set at 1,700 TL. Although the salaries are high, it has been noted that the work is demanding.
The fig harvest in Tire, the production hub of figs in İzmir, is on the agenda this year with record wages. According to the new tariff decisions announced by the Tire Agricultural Chamber, seasonal workers who stay overnight in fig orchards and are referred to as "guards" will receive a salary of 90,000 TL for 33 days of work. This amount is more than four times the minimum wage.
The daily wage for workers who are employed as pickers and gatherers has been set at a net daily rate of 1,700 TL, including the foreman and transportation. However, the highest wage will be paid to the overnight workers who stay in the orchards for 24 hours, responsible for security and protecting the product.
"THE WAGE IS HIGH BUT SHOULD BE EVALUATED ACCORDING TO THE WORK DONE"
The President of the Tire Agricultural Chamber, Halil İbişoğlu, emphasized that although the salaries seem high, the work is quite laborious. "Our worker wages have been determined. The workers who stay overnight, referred to as 'guards' here, will receive 90,000 TL for 33 days of work. While it may seem high compared to the minimum wage, this is a job that requires heavy, difficult, and serious experience, with no concept of overtime. I hope we have a good fig season. I wish all our producers a fruitful and productive period in advance," he stated.
As the harvest season approaches, there is still a labor shortage in the region despite the high wages. Producers indicate that they are struggling to find experienced workers who can endure the challenging working conditions.