Labor and Social Security Minister Vedat Işıkhan revealed that the minimum wage in Türkiye for 2025 will be set at TL 22,104 ($630.36), marking a 30% increase from the previous year.
Announcement of the New Minimum Wage
Işıkhan shared this update during a press conference held after the fourth meeting of the Minimum Wage Determination Commission.
Commission Meetings and Participants
The commission convened on multiple occasions, with representatives from Türk-Iş and TISK, the Confederation of Turkish Labor Unions, and the Turkish Confederation of Employer Associations, engaging in discussions.
Current Minimum Wage Levels
Currently, the minimum wage for workers stands at approximately TL 20,000 gross per month, translating to TL 17,002 net after deductions.
Protest by Türk-Iş
Reports indicated that Türk-Iş opted out of the most recent meeting as a form of protest.
Minimum Wage Adjustments and Inflation
While Turkish authorities increased the minimum wage by 49% this year, they chose not to implement a midyear adjustment, unlike the previous year, in their efforts to combat inflation.
Expectations and Requests
Expectations for the January minimum wage hike hovered around 25%, with Türk-Iş advocating for a 70% raise to TL 29.583.
Inflation Trends and Recommendations
Despite significant minimum wage hikes in recent years due to inflation, a decline in inflation rates was observed from May, reaching 48.58% in October 2024, as per official figures.
IMF's Advice
In October, the IMF's mission chief for Türkiye, Jim Walsh, advised against further inflation-inducing minimum wage hikes, proposing a focus on social programs and targeted government support to uplift low-income households and workers.
