CHP leader renews call for minimum wage hike to $872 as 2025 talks loom
Leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP) Ozgur Ozel speaks during his party's group meeting at the Turkish Grand National Assembly in Ankara, Türkiye on November 12, 2024. (AA Photo)
As Türkiye gears up for minimum wage discussions for 2025, main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Ozgur Ozel has proposed a significant increase, calling for a minimum wage of ₺30,000 ($872).
The statement came during a CHP group meeting, where Ozel emphasized the loss of purchasing power since the current minimum wage was set.
CHP Chairman Ozel demanded that the new minimum wage be set at ₺30,000 and said, “Otherwise, we will continue to struggle and object.”
Opposition CHP leader urges higher minimum wage
Ozel highlighted that since the current minimum wage of ₺17,000 was introduced, its real value has eroded by ₺6,000 due to inflation. The CHP leader stated, “Our demand is clear: a minimum wage of ₺30,000. We will not settle for less.”
He also proposed aligning pension payments with the minimum wage, calling for immediate implementation of a ₺17,000 pension payment for all retirees, effective from this month.
Minister of labor to begin 2025 minimum wage talks
Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Isikhan announced that discussions on setting the 2025 minimum wage will commence in December. Isikhan assured that the government aims for a consensus that satisfies all stakeholders, including workers and employers while maintaining economic stability.
“We hope that the minimum wage for 2025 will be set at an amount that everyone can agree on,” Isikhan said.
“We have started discussing the 2025 budgets of our Ministry and affiliated organizations in the TBMM Planning and Budget Commission,” the minister said in a post on social media platform X.
Inflation and economic growth considerations
Isikhan addressed concerns about inflation and its impact on wage decisions. He indicated that the commission would take into account the declining inflation trend, economic growth, and the demand for labor across sectors.
The minister emphasized the importance of reaching a fair wage level that supports citizens’ living standards without destabilizing the economy.
He added, “We aim to determine a common minimum wage level through consensus and apply it starting in January.”
