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New Wage Offer for Public Workers Emerges After Strike Postponement

Wages in Turkey

A fresh chapter has opened in Turkey’s public sector collective bargaining process after a government decree postponed a nationwide strike. Following a tense standoff, a revised wage offer has been presented, covering nearly 600,000 public sector workers. The proposal outlines base salary adjustments, flat-rate increases, and a phased wage hike plan across four periods.

Strike Suspended by Presidential Decree Amid Escalating Tensions

After the TÜRK-İŞ labor union announced a strike over stalled collective bargaining talks, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan issued a midnight decree postponing the strike for three months. In response, TÜRK-İŞ President Ergün Atalay met with Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz in a critical 4-hour meeting at the Presidential Complex in Beştepe.

While the new collective agreement has not yet been signed, sources confirm that the government’s revised proposal has been officially submitted to the union. The offer aims to address key union demands while easing labor tensions.

Key Components of the New Offer: Base Wage, Flat-Rate Raises, and Phased Increases

  1. Base Wage Adjustment:

    • For workers earning less than ₺1,400 in gross daily wage, the amount will be raised to ₺1,400.

  2. Flat-Rate Increase:

    • Those already earning above ₺1,400 will receive an additional ₺40 per day.

    • These two adjustments will be applied separately, not cumulatively.

Four-Phase Wage Increase Plan

  • First Half of 2025:

    • 24% wage increase.

  • Second Half of 2025:

    • ₺50 daily flat raise + 11% increase.

    • If inflation exceeds 11%, the excess will be carried over to early 2026.

  • First Half of 2026:

    • 10% wage increase.

    • Inflation difference (above 10%) will reflect in the second half.

  • Second Half of 2026:

    • 6% wage increase.

    • Additional raise if inflation surpasses 6%.

Inflation Adjustment and Bonus Provisions

  • For contracts starting March 1, 2025, an extra 3.68% inflation adjustment will be applied.

  • Institutions with start dates of February 1, April 1, or May 1 will apply proportional inflation-based raises.

  • Additional premium payments will be offered:

    • 7% for selected workers, and 3% for others, based on institution-specific criteria.

Additional Provisions and Follow-Up Steps

  • Wage scale reforms are expected to address entry-level disparities.

  • Details on bonuses, lump-sum payments, and institutional arrangements will be included in the upcoming protocol.

  • Retroactive pay adjustments will also be disbursed promptly.

Negotiations Ongoing

While public sector workers await final confirmation, talks between TÜRK-İŞ and the government are still underway. The deal’s final form and official signing are expected in the coming days.

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