08.11.2026 14:50
Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan answered questions from Sinan Burhan, Editor-in-Chief of Millet News Agency, regarding retirement pensions and the minimum wage. Noting that they are aware of the difficulties experienced by retirees, Işıkhan said, "We will take steps that will satisfy our retirees. We will have good news." Işıkhan, who announced that minimum wage work will begin in December, said they will not victimize employees and will try to give the highest possible figure.
Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan answered Millet News Agency Editor-in-Chief Sinan Burhan’s questions about pensions and the minimum wage in Mardin.
Stating that important steps will be taken for retirees, Işıkhan said, “We are aware of the situation of our retirees and minimum wage earners. We will take steps that will please our retirees. We will have good news.” Minister Işıkhan announced that minimum wage work will begin in December.
“WE WILL TAKE IMPORTANT STEPS FOR OUR RETIREES”
When Sinan Burhan asked at what stage the work on pensions was, Minister Işıkhan recalled that Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek and Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz made important statements on the issue.
Stating that the work continues, Işıkhan said: “We are also closely following this issue. We will support our retirees by correctly evaluating budget possibilities. Our work continues. As Turkey, we have allocated an important resource for our retirees. We are aware of the situation our retirees are in. We will take important steps on this issue. We will take steps that will please our retirees. We will have good news.”
DREW ATTENTION TO THE BALANCE BETWEEN LOW PREMIUMS AND HIGH SALARIES
Minister Işıkhan also drew attention to the balance between premiums paid and salaries received in the retirement system. Noting that especially some Agricultural Bağ-Kur and SSK insured people pay quite low premiums, Işıkhan stated that, as required by the social state approach, these people can be paid a higher pension through the lowest pension application than the equivalent of the premiums they paid.
Pointing out that some citizens who pay low premiums should receive a lower monthly payment according to the normal premium calculation, but thanks to support provided from the treasury as required by the social state principle, they can receive a higher monthly payment, Işıkhan emphasized that social state practices come into play at this point.
On this issue, which Sinan Burhan also brought to the agenda, the financing of the salaries received by those who retire with low premiums and the sustainability of the system were discussed. It was stated that the amount of premiums paid should also be taken into account when evaluating pensions.
“NOT EVERY RETIREE RECEIVES THE LOWEST PENSION”
Also touching on the differences between pensions, Minister Işıkhan emphasized that not everyone receives the same pension.
Noting that pensions vary according to the premiums paid and earnings in working life, Işıkhan said that there are also citizens who receive a pension above 100 thousand liras. The Minister drew attention to the fact that those who pay higher premiums can receive higher pensions. Thus, he stated that premium payment amounts and work history should also be taken into account when evaluating pensions.
“MINIMUM WAGE WORK WILL BEGIN IN DECEMBER”
Answering Sinan Burhan’s question about whether a new regulation will be made on the minimum wage, Minister Işıkhan pointed to December.
Stating that minimum wage work will begin within December, Işıkhan made the following statement: “We will start work on the minimum wage within December. We will not victimize our minimum wage earners. We will do our best, and we will try to give the highest possible figure.”
Minister Işıkhan’s statements drew attention in terms of the new period regulations awaited by millions of retirees and minimum wage earners. In particular, the message that important steps will be taken for retirees and that minimum wage negotiations will begin in December stood out.