08.06.2026 10:51
Government sources and economic circles have put an end to the issue of an interim raise for the minimum wage. A raise for the minimum wage is not being considered in July, and there are no studies on this matter. Economic circles stated that the minimum wage was increased by 27% in January to 28,075 Turkish Lira, noting that minimum wage hikes are implemented annually.
Although 3 years have passed, the failure to achieve the desired results in the fight against inflation and inflation maintaining its high course, the sharp decline in the purchasing power of fixed-income earners, lead to frequent demands for improvements in wages and salaries.
The Minimum Wage Initiative held a protest yesterday in Sultançiftliği, Istanbul. The Minimum Wage Initiative stated that the government is trying to cover up the cost of living crisis and reiterated its demand for an interim increase in the minimum wage, all wages, and pensions.
SIGNIFICANT EROSION IN THE MINIMUM WAGE
The minimum wage was raised to 28,075 TL in January with a 27 percent increase. In May, annual inflation was approximately 2 points above the 30.89 percent at the end of last year. Experts indicate that inflation could exceed 32 percent by the end of this year. High inflation has caused serious erosion in the minimum wage. In the first five months of the year, 4,663 TL of the 28,075 TL minimum wage evaporated.
MINIMUM WAGE REMAINED 7,000 TL BELOW THE HUNGER LINE
According to TURK-İŞ's research, in May the hunger line, showing the minimum mandatory amount a family of four must spend on food to feed healthily, in a balanced and adequate way for one month, was 35,174 TL. In the same period, the poverty line rose to 114,576 TL. The minimum wage of 28,075 TL remained 7,000 TL below the hunger line.
NO INTERIM INCREASE STUDY
During this period when the high cost of living is a common complaint in society, millions of workers are wondering whether there will be an interim increase in the minimum wage in July.
ANKA News Agency consulted with government and economic circles. According to this, there is no consideration of a minimum wage increase in July, and no study on this matter exists. Economic circles stated that the minimum wage was raised to 28,075 TL in January with a 27 percent increase, and that minimum wage increases are made annually.