"Two different statements from two ministers regarding the minimum wage."

Millions of minimum wage workers are eagerly awaiting the raise rate for 2025. As the end of the year approaches, the latest predictions based on inflation figures are also coming in. In previous periods, there were interim raises for the minimum wage, but there was no interim raise for 2024. Millions of people working for minimum wage are waiting for the raise rate that will be applied in the new year. Two new statements have come from the government side.

"LET'S NOT TALK ABOUT MINIMUM WAGE"

The Minister of Industry and Technology, Mehmet Fatih Kacır, made important statements regarding the agenda during a TV program he attended. He stated that even discussing the minimum wage causes inflation and used the following expressions: We have never accepted that any segment of society's purchasing power is eroded by inflation. This sensitivity has been maintained throughout the past years regarding the minimum wage. The current level has also been determined in this way. Both the inflation realized at the end of the year will be taken into account, and we have an inflation forecast that will also be considered. Many sensitivities, such as ensuring competitiveness and preventing unemployment from rising, will be evaluated together by employers and workers. Our TÜRK-İŞ president says not to talk about it now; I think this is an important observation. He says that even discussing this creates inflation. I share the same opinion; when the time comes, all parties will come together. I foresee that the common sense of the worker and employer groups will lead us to a sound decision.

IŞIKHAN: MINIMUM WAGE WILL BE DETERMINED ACCORDING TO GENERAL STABILITY

The Minister of Labor and Social Security, Vedat Işıkhan, stated in his announcement that the minimum wage will be set at a level that will not harm the general stability of the economy. Işıkhan: The minimum wage is an important issue that directly and indirectly concerns millions of our citizens. It is one of the cornerstones of our working life. We will start this process at the beginning of December to determine the minimum wage. The commission will convene, work for a certain period, and then the figures that satisfy both the worker and the employer will be brought to the agenda and a decision will be made. We always ensure that our workers and employers obtain maximum benefit. We will maintain this sensitivity while determining the minimum wage for 2025. It is important to protect the purchasing power of employees. I hope it will be set at a level that will not harm the general stability of our economy," he stated.

"THE PROCESS WILL START IN DECEMBER"

Işıkhan continued his statements by indicating that discussions regarding the minimum wage will begin in December: Determining the minimum wage is not solely a matter that the government can handle alone. There is a Minimum Wage Determination Commission to set the minimum wage that will be valid from 2025, and we will start this process at the beginning of December. The commission will convene, work for a certain period, and then the figures that satisfy both the worker and the employer will be brought to the agenda and a decision will be made. The Minimum Wage Determination Commission will consider the inflation rate, our economic growth, the needs of our labor market, and finally, the living standards of our citizens while determining this wage. We set the minimum wage as the minimum salary. Our employers can also provide increases above this. The minimum wage is a very important area of work for us.