Özgür Özel Urges Emergency Minimum Wage Commission Meeting Amid Soaring Cost of Living

CHP leader Özgür Özel has once again called for an immediate wage adjustment, arguing that the current economic conditions in Türkiye have made it essential to raise the minimum wage. Speaking after his visit to the HAK-İŞ Confederation of Labor Unions, Özel stressed the urgent need for the Minimum Wage Determination Commission to reconvene in July.

“Minimum Wage No Longer Covers Basic Needs”

Özel questioned the constitutional definition of the minimum wage, emphasizing that it is supposed to cover workers’ basic necessities such as food, shelter, heating, transportation, and healthcare. He noted, however, that the current wage level falls below even the hunger threshold.

“Minimum wage is meant to meet essential needs. But what we have today doesn’t even cover basic nutrition, let alone education, housing, or a dignified life,” he said.

He added that families and children are left out of the conversation, as education expenses and quality of life are entirely excluded from wage calculations.

“Minimum Wage Has Become Türkiye’s Average Wage”

Özel criticized the wage structure in Türkiye, noting that over 55% of workers earn either the minimum wage or a salary very close to it.

“Minimum wage is no longer a floor—it has become the average wage,” Özel said.

He warned that with unregistered employment and under-the-table labor practices on the rise, the minimum wage has lost its intended function. What should have been a legal baseline, he argued, has now become a de facto standard in the labor market.

A Message on the Constitution: “Fix What You Broke First”

In addition to economic issues, Özel also addressed President Erdoğan’s push for a new constitution, urging the government to first adhere to the existing one.

“Fix the violations and unconstitutional practices first. Then come back and talk about drafting a new constitution,” Özel said, suggesting that a genuine constitutional dialogue cannot begin without political accountability.

Bipartisan Respect Amid Polarization

Özel also praised labor unions for maintaining a constructive tone despite deep political divisions in the country. He highlighted the inclusive language adopted by worker and employer associations and called it a model for political dialogue.

“In these difficult times, their approach is one that politics should learn from,” he added.

Political and Economic Pressure Mounts

As inflation continues to erode real incomes, and poverty thresholds surpass the minimum wage, pressure is mounting on the government to implement a mid-year adjustment. With July approaching, the question remains whether the government will act—especially as opposition leaders like Özel amplify their demands in collaboration with labor organizations.