Unions and retired associations have recently reiterated their demands regarding the long-awaited alignment increase (intibak zammı). Work on this adjustment has reportedly reached an advanced stage, and if submitted to and approved by the Parliament, the increase could take effect.
Current Status of the Alignment Increase
Millions of active workers and retirees are closely following developments about the alignment increase. If approved in its current form, the increase could amount to as much as 355 Turkish lira. New updates continue to emerge. The proposed regulation targets those who retired after 2000: if the bill is presented to Parliament and passes, the pension difference will be compensated through an additional payment. In practice, this measure aims to raise the pensions of those receiving lower benefits by providing a top-up equal to the shortfall.
Recently, several unions and retirees’ associations voiced their expectations that reforms for post-2000 retirees be implemented promptly. They want the government to complete the necessary work without delay. Especially given recent supplementary payments to pensions, stakeholders are urging that the alignment increase be enacted soon. However, the Ministry of Treasury and Finance has not announced any studies or official statements on the subject to date.
Request for a 355 TL Alignment Increase
Those who gained retirement rights in 2000 and after are awaiting the activation of the alignment increase. The alignment demand for civil servant retirees was raised by Memur-Sen during collective bargaining talks. If enacted, differences in pension amounts among retirees who held the same title or position but were paid differently due to institutional reasons would be eliminated through additional payments. Pensioners with lower pensions would receive supplementary payments that fully cover the gaps.
The alignment increase is also eagerly anticipated by SSK and Bağ-Kur retirees. If the requests for those under 4A and 4B are implemented, post-2000 retirees could see increases similar to the initial alignment—ranging between 50 and 355 lira—followed by recalculation of pensions. Observers expect the government to provide further clarification in the coming weeks.