02.11.2025 18:59
The first figures regarding the eagerly awaited minimum wage increase, which millions of workers have been anticipating, have come from the unions. Arzu Çerkezoğlu, the President of DİSK, stated that the minimum wage for the new year should be at least 45,000 TL. Çerkezoğlu also called on the government and employers, urging that "a genuine collective bargaining process should be conducted."
As millions of workers turn their attention to the minimum wage negotiations for 2026, a striking statement came from the General President of the Revolutionary Workers' Unions Confederation (DİSK), Arzu Çerkezoğlu. Çerkezoğlu stated that the minimum wage should be at least 45,000 TL, calling on the government and employers for a "real collective bargaining process."
"MINIMUM WAGE HAS BECOME THE AVERAGE WAGE" Speaking during a live television broadcast, Çerkezoğlu said that the minimum wage in Turkey has almost turned into the average wage level received by all workers. Emphasizing that even if all members of a four-person family work, their income does not exceed the poverty line, the DİSK President stated, "This picture is unacceptable. The minimum wage should be set at a level where a worker can live with dignity along with their family."
DİSK General President Arzu Çerkezoğlu "MINIMUM WAGE SHOULD NOT BE BELOW 45,000 TL" Reminding that the poverty line has reached 92,547 TL in TÜRK-İŞ's latest research, Çerkezoğlu stated that this figure indicates a serious cost of living issue for workers. "Even when two people work in a household, the poverty line cannot be exceeded. Therefore, the minimum wage for 2026 should not be below 45,000 TL," she said.
"THE TAX SYSTEM PUNISHES WORKERS" The DİSK President also criticized the failure to update income tax brackets according to inflation rates. "A worker earning the same salary at the beginning of the year enters a higher tax bracket by the end of the year, and their salary diminishes. This system punishes the worker," Çerkezoğlu stated, emphasizing the need for tax justice, saying, "Those who earn less should pay less, and those who earn more should pay more tax."
"RETIREMENT PENSIONS ARE BELOW THE POVERTY LINE" Addressing the situation of retirees, Çerkezoğlu stated that current retirement pensions are far below humane living conditions, saying, "Today, retirement pensions are even below the poverty line. It is the state's duty to provide retirees with a dignified life."
"THE KEY TO SOCIAL PEACE IS A LIVING WAGE" Çerkezoğlu expressed that the process of determining the minimum wage should be taken out of the symbolic realm, addressing both the government and employers: "This process should not be a mere show. A real collective bargaining mechanism should be established. Determining a wage that allows workers to live with dignity is also the key to social peace."
EYES ON THE COMMISSION MEETING IN DECEMBER As the countdown continues for the minimum wage negotiations for 2026, the Minimum Wage Determination Commission is expected to meet in December 2025. According to economists' predictions, the increase rate may vary between 20% and 30%. While international financial institutions JP Morgan predict a 20% increase, Morgan Stanley forecasts an increase in the range of 20-25%, labor unions argue that these rates are insufficient.