The critical day for the minimum wage that millions have been waiting for.

The process of determining the new minimum wage, which directly concerns 7 million employees and indirectly affects the entire society, is ongoing. The Minimum Wage Determination Commission, hosted by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, held its first meeting on December 10 and will convene for the second time today.

NEGOTIATIONS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN

This meeting, which is important for determining the framework of negotiations, will focus on fundamental economic data. Representatives from the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, the Ministry of Trade, and the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) will share economic data and reports with the commission. It is expected that the worker and employer sides, which have not yet mentioned any figures, will begin negotiations after the economic data and reports are presented.

“WE HOPE FOR A FAIR MINIMUM WAGE TO BE DETERMINED”

The Minister of Labor and Social Security, Vedat Işıkhan, who chaired the commission's first meeting on December 10, stated, "We hope for a fair minimum wage to be determined that considers the satisfaction of both the worker and employer sides by thoroughly analyzing the economic and social conditions such as the protection and increase of employment."

Ramazan Ağar, the Deputy Chairman of TÜRK-İŞ, who leads the worker delegation in the commission, stated that they would not take into account the inflation rates that have occurred or are anticipated in determining the new minimum wage, saying, "We expect a wage that will make people smile." Akansel Koç, the Secretary General of the Turkish Confederation of Employer Associations (TİSK), who leads the employer delegation, indicated that they view the minimum wage from both the employee and employer perspectives, stating, "We will manage the process with an approach that not only protects employers but also considers the purchasing power of our colleagues."

HOW IS THE MINIMUM WAGE DETERMINED?

The Minimum Wage Determination Commission, consisting of 15 members with five representatives each from workers, employers, and the government, determines the minimum wage as required by law. The commission meets on the dates set in December as part of its work to determine the new minimum wage. The commission, chaired by one of the members designated by the ministry, convenes with the participation of at least 10 members and makes decisions by majority vote. In the event of a tie, the majority is considered to be on the side of the president.

CURRENT MINIMUM WAGE IS NET 17,002 LIRA

The minimum wage is currently applied as a gross monthly wage of 20,002.50 lira for a worker, which amounts to a net of 17,002.12 lira after deductions. The total cost of the minimum wage to the employer is 23,502.94 lira for one worker. Of this, 20,002.50 lira is the gross minimum wage, 3,100.39 lira is the social security premium, and 400.05 lira is the employer's unemployment insurance fund.