In an interview with ANF, KESK Central Council Member Saliha Zorlu criticized the newly determined minimum wage for being below the hunger threshold, arguing that such a low amount imposes a system of modern slavery.

Zorlu emphasized that the method of determining the wage and its inadequacy render it neither legitimate nor lawful. She added that, according to International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, the minimum wage should be sufficient to guarantee decent living conditions. She argued that in Turkey, the minimum wage functions as the average wage, whereas in Europe and other developed countries, it is considered an exception. 

"The minimum wage of 22,104 TL set in Turkey fails to provide even the most basic living conditions,” said Zorlu, adding: “Workers and the unemployed are trapped between surviving under slavery-like conditions or facing unemployment. In Turkey, workers who are paid far below the minimum wage are forced to accept any job out of fear of losing employment altogether."

"The new minimum wage is neither legal nor legitimate"

Zorlu further highlighted that this year’s minimum wage is unlawful and illegitimate due to both its inadequacy and the undemocratic way it was determined. She said: "There are specific criteria for determining the minimum wage. It must be decided by a council of at least 15 members, representing employers, workers, and government officials. However, not all stakeholders were present during this process. 

Moreover, the inflation rate, manipulated through the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), is another critical issue. The minimum wage was determined based on distorted inflation data that does not reflect the reality of the field."

Zorlu said that "the rights of workers to strike have been systematically suppressed by capital groups as well as the government. Workers, stripped of their right to strike, are forced to enter minimum wage negotiations without the tools to defend their interests. The fact that the determined minimum wage falls below the hunger threshold is yet another indication of its unlawfulness. For all these reasons, we deem the minimum wage illegitimate and unlawful."

Unemployment and poverty are increasing

The trade unionist warned that poverty will worsen as the minimum wage remains below the hunger threshold, and said: "Currently, there are 12 million unemployed people in Turkey, and they are competing for this slavery-level wage. The government continues to exploit this poverty for the benefit of itself and capitalist groups. Turkey’s governance prioritizes capital and protects capitalist interests. We are talking about a government that operates like a corporation, imposing no tax burdens on capital groups while neglecting to improve the income levels of its citizens.”

Zorlu called for a united class struggle and emphasized the need for solidarity among workers. "The current budget, disguised under so-called security policies, is a budget hostile to the people and detrimental to society. We demand a budget that protects workers and the unemployed. We will continue to voice this demand at every opportunity."