10.03.2025 14:20
The United Pensioners' Union made a statement regarding the holiday bonuses that millions of retirees are eagerly awaiting. In the statement, it was expressed that at least 14,469 lira should be given as holiday bonuses during the two religious holidays. It was stated, "The policies you have determined have impoverished retirees. Now, we retirees do not want to pay the price for this deep poverty that you have created."
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After the first week of Ramadan has passed, millions of retirees are looking forward to the holiday bonus. The United Retirees Union made a written statement regarding the holiday bonuses. The statement included the following expressions:
"WE WANT IT TO BE EQUAL TO THE LOWEST RETIREMENT PENSION"
"As of 2018, a financial aid of 1,000 TL was provided to retirees during the two religious holidays. By 2024, this aid has been increased to 3,000 TL over 6 years. Firstly, this aid given during the two religious holidays was referred to as assistance to prevent it from becoming permanent. However, we demand that the name of this aid given during the two religious holidays be changed to holiday bonus, thus making it permanent, and since the name is a bonus, it will legally be at least equal to the lowest retirement pension, which means it will rise to 14,469 TL. Therefore, we request that it be made permanent as a holiday bonus and equal to the lowest retirement pension.
"OUR PURCHASING POWER IS WEAKENING EVERY DAY AGAINST INFLATION"
Especially after 2008, the decrease in the rates of pension payments... The factors determining the pension rates have been suppressed by the inflation data announced by TURKSTAT, and retirees have been transformed from a middle-class lifestyle into the most impoverished and victimized segment of society. Our purchasing power is weakening more and more every day against the real market inflation.
"THE JANUARY RAISE DISSOLVED BEFORE IT ENTERED OUR POCKETS"
The 15.75% increase given to retirees in January and the 11% increase given to civil servant retirees have dissolved due to the high increases in food, fuel, bills, and rent before they even entered the retirees' pockets. In this regard, the holiday bonus to be given during the two religious holidays at least 14,469 TL will be a balm for the wounds of retirees.
"LET RETIREES NOT PAY THE BILL OF THE INFLATION"
On behalf of 16.3 million retirees, we call out to the president and the government; you always say 'if anyone can do it, it's the AKP', yes, the policies you have set have impoverished retirees. Now, we do not want to pay the bill of this deep poverty you have created. We want you to address the poverty you have created and hear the voices of 16.3 million retirees.
"WE WANT TO LIVE WITH DIGNITY"
Since you say 'if anyone can do it, it's the AKP', we say produce solutions to the deep poverty you have created. We retirees want the return of the premiums we have paid for years, not charity. We demand the return of our rights that you have seized with the policies you have implemented. We want nothing more than a dignified and humane standard of living. I believe we are a group that deserves the humane living standard the most, as we have contributed the most to the country's development through both our work and the premiums we have paid for years.
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