16.05.2025 16:35
The critical third meeting of the collective bargaining negotiations for the year 2025, which concerns approximately 600,000 public workers, has concluded. No news regarding the wage increase emerged from the meeting. The employer's proposal for the wage negotiations has been postponed to the meeting scheduled for next week.
Approximately 600,000 workers employed in many critical public institutions, from highways to universities, and from hospitals to power plants, have entered an important phase in the 2025 Public Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations. The third meeting, which will bring together the worker and employer sides, was held today.
THERE IS STILL NO EMPLOYER OFFER ON THE TABLE
The bargaining process, which started with the joint wage demand submitted by TÜRK-İŞ and HAK-İŞ to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security on February 27, has seen a significant portion of the administrative articles negotiated so far. However, the striking point is that no official wage offer has yet been presented by the employer. As no news regarding the wage rate emerged from the meeting, attention turned to the meeting scheduled for next week, where the employer side is expected to announce its offer for wage negotiations. Speaking after the meeting, Türk-İş Vice President Ramazan Ağar stated, "We still have not received a counteroffer. No figure has come regarding wages. They said discussions with the ministry are ongoing. They said they would make an offer next week. We are waiting for the offer."
WORKERS' DEMANDS ARE CLEAR: HIGH WAGE, SHARE OF WEALTH
The worker segment has clearly articulated its demands for the year 2025. Accordingly, it is requested that the gross daily minimum wage be raised to at least 1800 lira, a 50% increase be made in the first six months of the year, and a 25% increase in the second half, with an additional 10% share of wealth added in each period. The demands aim to protect the purchasing power of workers against the rising cost of living.
COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT WILL BE DETERMINATIVE IN PUBLIC ORDER
This framework protocol, which covers workers employed in railways, power plants, ministry units, and health institutions, is of great importance as it will not only determine wage increases but also working conditions. It remains to be seen whether the parties can create a ground for compromise in the third meeting.