27.08.2026 10:41
Ahead of the Minimum Wage Determination Commission's talks set to begin in December, raise scenarios have started to be discussed. SGK Expert İsa Karakaş stated that two formulas are being evaluated behind the scenes: a single 50 percent increase in January, or an initial raise of approximately 30 percent followed by a second increase in July.
Ahead of the Minimum Wage Determination Commission, millions of workers have turned their eyes and ears to the news coming from Ankara. The insider information shared by SGK Expert İsa Karakaş during a live broadcast indicates that both a one-time high-rate increase and a gradual formula are on the table for the minimum wage hike.
POVERTY LINE SURPASSES MINIMUM WAGE
The minimum wage marathon, which directly affects millions of citizens working in the private sector and indirectly affects the entire economy, is approaching. According to the assessments of SGK Expert İsa Karakaş, the current minimum wage of 28,000 TL has fallen far behind the poverty line, which exceeds 37,000 TL. The fact that the interim raises given to civil servants and retirees were not reflected in the minimum wage has led to a serious loss of purchasing power and growing expectations among private sector workers. Karakaş emphasizes that the newly determined figure must definitely not fall below the poverty line.
"With 28,000 lira, it is impossible for not just a family, but even a single person to make ends meet. [...] The minimum wage is now 28,000, while the poverty line has exceeded 37,000. By the time we reach January, they will be careful to ensure that the minimum wage is not below the poverty line. I am only talking about the poverty line, which covers just kitchen expenses."
TWO RAISE FORMULAS DISCUSSED BEHIND THE SCENES
In Ankara's backroom discussions, two different raise scenarios are being considered, especially in light of a possible November 2027 election. According to these scenarios; a strong single increase of around 50 percent to the minimum wage in January. An increase at the inflation rate realized in January (approximately 30%), followed by an interim raise in the 20% to 25% range in July, bringing the total increase above 50%.
NEW SALARIES WILL BE IN POCKETS IN FEBRUARY
The decision to be made by the Minimum Wage Determination Commission, which will convene in December, will first reach workers' pockets in February 2027. Experts note that by February, the poverty line will have risen even further, and even a 50% increase may struggle to catch up with this line. The fact that more than 70% of private sector companies do not give additional raises to their employees, including white-collar workers, unless the state provides an interim raise to the minimum wage, further increases the importance of the decision on the table.