The process in Turkey of increasing the minimum wage in Turkey in 2024 has concluded, as announced by Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan.
Following a meeting in Ankara with workers and employers convened by President Erdoğan, Minister Işıkhan addressed the media, stating, “In July, the net minimum wage stood at 11,402 liras. Now, considering a minimum wage support of 700 liras, we have set it at 17,002 liras. May it bring benefits to our country and its people.”
Today, the Minimum Wage Determination Commission, chaired by President Erdoğan, held its third meeting after two prior sessions hosted by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. Minister Işıkhan, following a 2-hour and 15-minute discussion, presented the outcomes (new minimum wage in Turkey for 2024) of the meeting to the public.
For the year 2024 in Turkey, Minister Işıkhan officially announced the new minimum wage of 17,002 liras, a 49% increase compared to the previous period and a cumulative rise of 100% from the previous year. Expressing the government’s commitment to supporting workers, employers, and citizens, Işıkhan highlighted, “We have achieved a 3.5-fold increase in the minimum wage in real terms. Our state continues to stand by workers, employers, and all citizens through its various institutions and organizations.”
Key points from Minister Işıkhan’s remarks include:
- Acknowledgment of the completion of the commission’s work, emphasizing the minimum wage’s role as the lowest limit in wage policies.
- Gratitude to stakeholders, including representatives Ergün Atalay and Özgür Burak Akkol, for their positive approach and consensus-building efforts.
- Recognition of the importance of a constructive approach for social consensus, expressing gratitude to unions, institutions, ministries, and colleagues.
- Belief that the newly determined amount will satisfy all citizens, especially those subject to the minimum wage and their families.
In response to the announcement, Türk-İş Chairman Ergün Atalay conveyed that their initial request was 18,000 liras, while TİSK President Özgür Burak Akkol emphasized the importance of a balanced minimum wage benefiting all social partners. Atkol also called for unity and encouraged businesses to take additional steps if possible.
In conclusion, Minister Işıkhan thanked President Erdoğan, Minister, and representatives for their contributions to the commission’s work, recognizing the destructive impact of inflation on the working class and expressing appreciation for the collaborative efforts in reaching the determined figure.
