20.06.2026 10:00
Bad news came from SGK Chief Inspector İsa Karakaş regarding the across-the-board raise expectation that millions of civil servants and retirees have pinned their hopes on against inflation. Stating that there is no additional preparation in Ankara backstage, Karakaş predicted that civil servants would receive a raise of between 13.5% and 14.15% in July through the collective bargaining formula. Noting that the lowest civil servant retirement pension could remain at 31,790 lira, Karakaş called on unions and the government for a "fair adjustment."
While millions of civil servants and retired civil servants have their eyes and ears turned to the salary increases to be made in July, a statement came like a cold shower on the hope of a 'flat raise' that would provide relief against inflation. Isa Karakas, Chief Inspector of the Social Security Institution (SGK), stated that there is no preparation for a flat raise in Ankara circles, indicating that retired civil servants will continue to be crushed by inflation.
Millions of employees and retirees, who were eagerly awaiting the June data to be added to the 12.40% raise rate finalized in the first five months of the year, had pinned their hopes on a flat raise this year as well to maintain their purchasing power. However, SGK Chief Inspector Isa Karakas, in his analysis penned in his column in Türkiye Newspaper, painted a highly negative picture for civil servants and retired civil servants.
INCREASE RATE REMAINED BELOW INFLATION
Isa Karakas reminded that the situation of civil servants and retired civil servants is very different and more disadvantageous compared to SSK (Social Security Institution) and Bağ-Kur (self-employed pension fund) retirees, who have secured a 16.60% raise over the five-month period. Karakas pointed out that, under the current collective bargaining agreement terms, as of May, the raise rate earned by civil servants and retired civil servants remained at 12.40%, emphasizing that this rate fell even below the official inflation rate. Stating that civil servants and retired civil servants currently lag behind inflation by approximately 4.20%, Karakas noted that this gap further increases the erosion in salaries day by day.
AROUND 14% SALARY UPDATE EXPECTED IN JULY
Sharing his expectations and calculations regarding June inflation, Karakas stated that he forecasts the six-month total inflation will be between 17.5% and 18.5%. In light of these estimates, he indicated that when the inflation difference and collective bargaining raise for civil servants and retired civil servants are calculated together, the total increase will remain in the range of 13.5% to 14.15%. Karakas reported that in July, a salary update of roughly 14% will be on the agenda for civil servants.
NO FLAT RAISE PREPARATION IN THE CORRIDORS!
Karakas, sharing the latest situation in Ankara circles regarding the flat raise, which retired civil servants have persistently demanded and been expected to receive since 2023, dashed expectations. Stating that there is no study or preparation related to a flat raise in the corridors, Karakas mentioned that there are evaluations indicating the economic management and government will strictly apply the raise formula previously signed in the collective agreement.
HOW MUCH WILL THE LOWEST RETIRED CIVIL SERVANT SALARY BE?
Based on these calculations and the collective bargaining formula, SGK Chief Inspector Karakas predicted that, after the increase to be made in July, the lowest retired civil servant salary could rise to approximately 31,790 liras.
CALL TO UNIONS AND GOVERNMENT
In his article, Karakas also drew attention to the high premiums retired civil servants paid throughout their working lives, stating that the current picture does not indicate a fair additional improvement. Addressing civil servant unions at this point, Karakas argued that unions need to become much more strongly involved. He stated that salaries should at least be increased at the real inflation rate, and the gap/difference between retired civil servants and other retiree groups should be reduced.
Finally, calling on the government, Isa Karakas emphasized that a more fair arrangement urgently needs to be made to make civil servants and retired civil servants more resilient and protected against the inflation monster.