Main opposition party’s push for minimum wage raise puts govt into fix

The main opposition party in Türkiye, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), is trying to corner the government over the minimum wage issue. The ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) implemented a policy of increasing the minimum wage during the last election period. However, it refrains from making such a move in the new term.

CHP Chairman Ozgur Ozel welcomed Eid in his hometown Manisa. Ozel addressed the questions of journalists after the Eid prayers where he also talked about the minimum wage issue.

Recalling that the issue of raising the minimum wage and pensions was discussed during the meeting with President Erdogan, Ozel stated that they did not receive a positive sign on this matter, adding that if this goes on like this, they won’t stay silent about it.

“If there is to be normalization, it must start with the retired and the laborers, it must start with the farmers and the tradesmen. If they don’t raise the minimum wage, we will fight on every platform. Finally, we will take to the streets, fill the squares and show the harshest reaction,” he added.

On the other hand, CHP Deputy Chairman Deniz Yavuzyilmaz visited the AK Party as part of his Eid visit, where he once again expressed the need for an improvement in the minimum wage.

The increase difference between civil servants and labor pensioners will reach 5.47 points. Currently, the lowest pensions of ₺10,000 and the minimum wage of ₺17,002 are not expected to rise.

Given the lack of agreement at the civil servants’ bargaining table, the arbitral tribunal granted a 15% raise at this year’s beginning, excluding the inflation adjustment, and announced a 10% raise for July.