08.12.2025 10:46
Eyes are on the commission meeting on December 12 regarding the minimum wage. Experts indicate that the demand for two raises a year is not feasible for this period, suggesting that the new wage will be determined with a lower increase (around 22 or 23 percent) compared to election periods.
The critical process for the minimum wage, eagerly awaited by millions of workers, is starting for 2025. The Minimum Wage Determination Commission will hold its first meeting on December 12. This year, there is a significant change on the agenda regarding the structure of the commission. The government is evaluating a formula that includes reducing the number of public representatives in the commission, which consists of worker and employer representatives, to one. While these discussions continue, expectations for a raise are also growing stronger.
"THE NECESSARY INCREASE IS OVER 40%"
Prof. Dr. Binhan Elif Yılmaz, a faculty member at Istanbul University, highlighted the damage of inflation on wages during an interview with Habertürk. In her assessment, Yılmaz stated, "An increase of over 40% is necessary to compensate for the losses in purchasing power. However, due to economic policies, it is difficult for this to happen."
Yılmaz reminded that the high increases made in 2022 and 2023 due to the election process will not be repeated this year, noting that wages received nearly a 100% increase in total during that period.
THIS TIME, IT IS EXPECTED TO FALL BELOW INFLATION
Prof. Dr. Yılmaz indicated that wage policies in the new period are shaped based on "expected inflation," expressing the view that the increase will be limited. Yılmaz stated, "The likelihood of exceeding the 25% level is low. We are in a period of tight monetary policy, with no elections. Wages are being consciously suppressed."
IS THE BI-ANNUAL RAISE ON HOLD?
According to Türk-İş's November data, the hunger threshold has reached 30,000 TL. According to Yılmaz, even if a raise occurs, the situation of minimum wage earners will not change. Yılmaz stated, "Even after the increase, a wage below the hunger threshold will be the case," and noted that DİSK's demand for two raises a year does not seem possible this year, saying, "This practice was entirely specific to election periods. No such signal will come this year."
POTENTIAL MINIMUM WAGE CALCULATIONS
Increase Rate ------------------ New Minimum Wage (Net)
- 20% ------------------- 26,524 TL
- 25% ------------------- 27,630 TL
- 30% ------------------- 28,735 TL
- 35% ------------------- 29,840 TL
- 40% ------------------- 30,945 TL
FINAL FIGURE TO BE ANNOUNCED AT THE END OF DECEMBER
With the acceleration of the commission's work, the government's final proposal is expected to be announced in the last week of December. Workers' expectations are high; the determining factor will be the steps taken by the economic management.