The Minister of Family, Labor and Social Services, Zehra Zümrüt Selçuk, made statements regarding the minimum wage negotiations. She said that they will decide together on the minimum wage amount that will take effect at the start of the new year, and highlighted that the Minimum Wage Determination Commission is taking a solution-oriented approach. Selçuk expressed her hope that the minimum wage will be announced by consensus and added that, together with incentives to be provided to business sectors in 2021, they expect unemployment to decline.
On her official Twitter account, Minister Zehra Zümrüt Selçuk provided important updates for millions of citizens about the minimum wage. She informed the public about the process and said the commission that will determine the 2021 minimum wage will hold its second meeting hosted by TİSK on December 15. She added that the third meeting will be hosted by Türk-İş on December 22 and expressed her wish that the process will be beneficial for workers, employers and the nation.
First Meeting of the Minimum Wage Commission Completed
Work to set the minimum wage for the new year continues. The Minimum Wage Determination Commission, made up of worker, employer and government representatives, held its first meeting. Due to measures against the coronavirus pandemic, the meeting was held online, chaired by Minister Zehra Zümrüt Selçuk. Wishing the process to be positive for citizens and all parties in working life, Selçuk emphasized that the minimum wage plays a crucial role in labor conditions and the protection of social rights.
Selçuk stated that the commission aims to set the wage by taking into account the views and demands of all social partners. In her opening remarks she said, “As a ministry we will act as an arbiter in this process, aiming to determine the minimum wage by consensus between workers and employers.” Following the minister’s remarks, the heads representing the worker and employer delegations also spoke.
“Family Factor Must Be Considered”
Nazmi Irgat, General Education Secretary of Türk-İş, stressed that a fair tax arrangement for all employees must accompany the minimum wage determination. He pointed out that workers at non-unionized workplaces placed on unpaid leave often receive less than half of the minimum wage, and argued that the daily cash support of 38 lira during unpaid leave — provided at the employer’s discretion — is insufficient. Noting that millions of people are surviving by borrowing, Irgat described the widespread feelings of unhappiness, anxiety, restlessness and hopelessness among workers.
Irgat emphasized that the family’s standard of living must be taken into account when setting the minimum wage. Addressing Minister Selçuk, he asked: “Madam Minister, you are also responsible for family affairs. Is it possible for a family to live on this income level? The family factor must certainly be considered when determining the minimum wage.” He also noted that increases in income tax in the final months of the year reduce the purchasing power of the minimum wage and called for a fair tax arrangement.
Employers Seek Minimum Wage Support
Akansel Koç, General Secretary of the Turkish Confederation of Employer Associations (TİSK), requested that the country’s current economic situation and the cost burden on businesses be considered during minimum wage negotiations. He asked for the minimum wage support, which has been applied for the last five years, to continue this year as well. Koç suggested that the employer share of unemployment insurance, currently 2 percent, be waived for 2021, and proposed raising the employer SGK (social security) support from 5 percent to 6 percent. He also requested that the support rate be set at 7 percent for workplaces covered by collective bargaining agreements.