While the discussions on the increase in the minimum wage continue, new statements continue to come. If an interim increase is decided for the minimum wage, how much the increase amount will be started to take place in the lobbies. So will there be an interim increase in the minimum wage? What will be the rate if there is an interim increase in the minimum wage? Here are the curious ones…
The issue of interim increase in minimum wage is moving towards becoming a social problem. In the face of inflation, the annual raise received by the minimum wage earners melted, while the minimum wage fell below the hunger limit in June.
If the rest of the year is passed without a raise, it will be the most difficult period for minimum wage earners in the last 50 years.
Prof. Dr. Selva Demiralp, Professor of Economics at Koç University, made very important evaluations about the minimum wage and said, “Since low income groups spend most of their income on rent, food and transportation, the weighting in their basket is much higher. Although the current headline inflation rate is 75.5, and 75.5 is a very high figure, we see that the inflation felt by the citizens is three digits. In such a high inflation environment, I do not find it right not to make an adjustment to the minimum wage.”
Stating that it is a necessity to raise the minimum wage, Prof. Dr. Demiralp said, “I do not believe that inflation will fall to 38 percent. Our estimate is close to 50 percent. In this economic environment, there needs to be an arrangement that will start with the minimum wage and reflect on other wages. The current inflation is the result of very serious policy mistakes. These mistakes should not be paid for by reducing the purchasing power of citizens. If a price is to be paid, the whole society should pay it.”
Although it is stated that the minimum wage will not be raised, it is seen that people have no more strength to endure. It is said that the government may decide to give a surprise interim increase, as a government that will be indifferent to this will have to pay a price.
In this information reflected in the lobbies, some rates regarding the minimum wage hike are also mentioned.
While it is reflected in the lobbies that the interim increase decision for the minimum wage may be made by President Erdoğan, it is reported that this increase rate will not be directly proportional to inflation.
While 25 percent inflation is expected in the first 6 months of 2024, it was stated that the interim increase in the minimum wage will not be at this rate. There is talk in the lobbies that an improvement of 15 percent can be made to the minimum wage. If these claims come true, the minimum wage will be increased from 17.002 TL to 19.552 TL with the increase to be made in July.
There is no decision yet on an interim increase in the minimum wage. However, it is stated that a surprise step may be taken in the lobbies and it is pointed after the feast.
