After the visit, Özgür Özel made statements to the press, stating, “Turkey is going through very challenging conditions. Despite the contradictions between labor and capital, as well as the severe political polarization and tension in Turkey, the language demonstrated by various confederations and organizations, despite their differing views, is truly commendable. I would like to thank all the party leaders and confederation leaders for this.”
Özel raised crucial questions regarding the minimum wage , saying, “What does the Constitution understand by minimum wage, and what does the law interpret? Minimum wage is meant to cover workers’ basic needs, such as nutrition , housing , heating , transportation , and healthcare .” He emphasized that the current minimum wage calculated falls below the lowest hunger threshold, failing to account for a worker’s family’s educational expenses and their standard of living . He pointed out that the minimum wage neglects the basic requirements for a dignified life, leaving many individuals below the poverty line.
“MINIMUM WAGE HAS BECOME A GENERAL WAGE”
“For the last four years, there have been no official figures published regarding the minimum wage, but approximately 55% of people in Turkey earn at or near the minimum wage,” Özel stated. He elaborated, “This shows that the minimum wage has become an average wage in many aspects. Considering the issue of unregistered employment, the minimum wage is no longer just a baseline—it has turned into a general wage that many earn.”
“COLLECTIVE DEMAND MUST BE CONSIDERED”
Özel criticized the government, saying, “Prior to the elections, they promised four wage increases, yet only one has been made since. The July adjustment was not implemented, and a wage adjustment has now been set for January 2025. Is it acceptable to navigate the next three years on only two wage adjustments?” He emphasized the urgency for the Minimum Wage Commission to meet immediately, proposing that all confederations be included in the discussions. “We expect the public sector to take proper responsibility and address these concerns comprehensively,” he added.
INFRASTRUCTURE REGULATIONS
Addressing a question about infractions, Özel mentioned, “We are following developments in Parliament. The recommendations proposed in the Commission have not met expectations widely. We were promised simultaneous action on an infrastructure regulation while discussing a terrorism-free Turkey. Currently, the revelations of discontent following unfulfilled promises create significant tension.” He further specified that with increasing public anticipation ahead of religious holidays, unmet expectations become traumatic, indicating a lack of transparency from the government regarding these sensitive matters.
COMMENTARY ON THE NEW CONSTITUTION
When asked about the new constitution , Özel responded critically: “If you are a man of constitutional values, then creating a new constitution is feasible; otherwise, we are hearing a ‘Banarasa’ narrative here.” Özel outlined the need for adherence to the Constitution first. “If we are violating existing laws, how can we embark on writing a new one? We need to adhere to decisions made by the Constitutional Court and the European Court of Human Rights. Until there is respect for the constitution, a new one cannot take form.”, he stated emphatically.
“THE BEST SIGNAL IS VOTERS’ DECISION AT THE POLLS”
Later that day, Özgür Özel visited TÜRK-İŞ, one of Turkey’s largest confederations. In his address afterward, he noted, “Leaders of major confederations are starting to speak about their financial needs using sign language— ‘The words have run out, and we’ve made little progress.’ This statement speaks volumes about the prevailing conditions. The best signal now is the voters’ decision at the polls,” he concluded.
Özgür Özel’s stance on these critical issues reflects the ongoing challenges in Turkey regarding both wage structures and constitutional integrity. As discussions continue, the demand for immediate action on the minimum wage resonates deeply within the fabric of Turkish society, indicating the urgent need for economic and political reform.
General News – 1