"MÜSİAD's Statement on Minimum Wage"

The President of the Independent Industrialists and Businessmen's Association (MÜSİAD), Mahmut Asmalı, made statements regarding the minimum wage during a program he attended on a television channel.

"MORE THAN 50% OF EXPENDITURES ARE FOR HOUSING, ENERGY, AND FOOD"

Asmalı pointed out that one of the main reasons for salaries not being sufficient is rents, stating, "More than 50% of household expenditures are for housing, energy, and food. We need to take measures in these areas."

"REGIONAL MINIMUM WAGE CAN BE IMPLEMENTED"

Asmalı stated that it is not possible to live on the minimum wage in metropolitan areas, saying, "When you pay 17 thousand lira rent for a 1+1 apartment, a person earning minimum wage will have spent all their earnings on rent. Therefore, we said that a regional minimum wage can be implemented."

"MINIMUM WAGE CAN BE FOUND WITH CORRELATION"

Expressing his suggestions for the minimum wage increase, the MÜSİAD President continued his remarks as follows: "Our suggestion is to transition to a minimum wage application by adding a welfare share on top of the expected inflation rate. A compromise can be reached on an intermediate formula. The minimum wage can be found through a correlation between the expected inflation and last year's inflation. Some social supports can also be provided. In this way, the balance can be achieved."