12.12.2025 14:41
In the minimum wage marathon that closely concerns millions, the first meeting was held today, while Türk-İş's decision not to participate in the negotiations has resonated widely in the public. Türk-İş Vice President Ramazan Ağar explained the rationale behind the decision at a press conference in front of the Ministry. Ağar stated, "The structure of the commission makes decisions based on the votes of government and employer representatives without considering the workers. The gap between the rich and the poor is increasingly widening. Some segments are struggling to meet their basic needs."
As part of the work to determine the new minimum wage, which directly concerns approximately 7 million employees and indirectly affects the general public, the commission met for the first time today.
TÜRK-İŞ DID NOT PARTICIPATE AT THE TABLE In the first meeting hosted by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, while worker, employer, and government representatives came together, Türk-İş was not present at the table.
A FIRST IN THE COMMISSION The absence of Türk-İş at the Minimum Wage Determination Commission meeting is recorded as a first, while Türk-İş Deputy General President Ramazan Ağar explained the rationale for the decision at a press conference held in front of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.
"THE STRUCTURE OF THE COMMISSION DOES NOT CONSIDER WORKERS" Ağar stated, "Today is the first meeting day. As in the past, we were invited to the meeting today. We had indicated that we would not participate if there was no change in the commission. Türk-İş has represented workers since 1974. However, the structure of the commission is determined by the votes of government and employer representatives without considering workers. Türk-İş announced on December 24, 2024, that it would not participate in the commission's work. The increases in electricity, natural gas, and water are increasing this pressure. Workers and their families have had to struggle with the rising prices, especially in terms of essential consumption," he said.
TÜRK-İŞ Deputy General President Ramazan Ağar. "THE GAP BETWEEN THE RICH AND THE POOR IS INCREASING" Continuing his remarks, Ağar said, "The gap between the rich and the poor is increasingly widening. A segment of the population is struggling to meet their basic needs. The losses caused by the consecutive high price increases must be fully compensated. Additional measures are necessary for the wealth created by economic growth to reflect on workers. If the current trend continues, there will be a situation where qualified labor is also trapped in the minimum wage, along with the disruption of labor peace."
"CHILD LABOR CONTINUES" The statements that an increase in the minimum wage will also increase inflation are not correct. Linking inflation solely to the increase in the minimum wage means ignoring the structural and multidimensional nature of economic problems. Claims that it will reduce employment are also incorrect. In a place where there is no union organization, a worker continues to do the work of 2-3 workers. Child labor also continues. The child workers who died in the fire in Gebze are the most tragic indicator of this situation," he stated.