The first message regarding the minimum wage has come from Türk-İş.

The minimum wage for 2025 has been set at a net of 22,104 TL. Since the 30% increase is quite far from the 29,583 TL requested by the workers, TÜRK-İŞ left the commission table and did not accept the new minimum wage. Today, TÜRK-İŞ President Ergün Atalay appeared in front of the cameras for the first time and evaluated the wage increase figures for the minimum wage.

Ergün Atalay stated: Where there is a union, there are bonuses and meal allowances. There are approximately 8 million minimum wage earners in our country. For the last 5 years, the minimum wage has become a living wage. Half of Turkey works for the minimum wage. Therefore, the minimum wage is very important for the country and for us. We brought the worker segment to the Minimum Wage Determination Commission so that those who cannot live on the minimum wage can express their grievances. We announced the demand for 29,583.

"NO FIGURE WAS PRESENTED IN 3 MEETINGS"

There were 3 meetings. In all 3 meetings, they did not present a figure to us. We shared a figure with the public. Our demand should be in accordance with the living conditions stated in the constitution, humane living conditions. We expressed that the minimum wage should not be a subject of negotiation. If possible, it should be done twice a year during periods of high inflation.

We held meetings with the largest labor confederations outside of us, with DİSK and HAK-İŞ. We stated that there are issues regarding taxes, internships, and subcontracting. We said that there is a need for workers in every sector. There has been no development regarding these issues. We organized rallies, work stoppages, and panels in 81 provinces regarding these issues. We concluded with a rally in Ankara attended by 150,000 of our friends. We made promises to retirees and minimum wage earners, and we spoke.

"THERE IS A NEED FOR TAX REGULATIONS"

We eagerly followed the last budget discussions in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. We wondered if there would be any developments or regulations. There is a need for tax regulations. We work for 12 months and give 2 months to taxes. There has been no positive development regarding this.

In the last minimum wage discussions, no figure was presented either. We had no choice but to convey TÜRK-İŞ's demand. Last night at 6:30 PM, they informed us about the meeting. The Minister called me. We decided not to attend this meeting.

In the last 30 years, decisions have been made unanimously 6 times. We have made decisions with the government 2 times. We have not signed 22 times. We had no knowledge of the figure. Therefore, there was no point in our presence.

This has always been the case. 15 people participate. The government collaborates with the employers and makes the decisions it wants. Despite this, we receive reactions asking, 'Why didn't you go?' A truck driver named Engin Bingöl called me. He said, 'I congratulate you for your stance.' Does this truck driver know how the minimum wage is determined, but educated people do not? It is shameful, it is a sin, it is a pity. The easiest thing is to blame the unions and the workers. We have always explained that we have no authority in the commission and that our words do not carry weight.

"UNACCEPTABLE"

This announced wage, whether for 6 months or a year, is unacceptable. State fees have increased by 44%, while the increase in the minimum wage is 30%. This is unacceptable. That is why we are in a difficult situation; we cannot make ends meet.

This commission is not fair. Unfortunately, we have been in an unfair commission for 50 years. We will not participate in the minimum wage commission as TÜRK-İŞ again. I announce this from here. They should not call us; we are no longer here.