The minimum wage, which rose to 2025 TL net with a 30 percent increase in the first days of 22.104, is once again an important part of the agenda of millions of workers as the second half of the year approaches. Initially announced to remain constant until the end of the year, there is intense debate as to whether the minimum wage will be increased again in July due to rising inflation and the financial difficulties it brings.
Employees Eye July Midterm Pay Increase
This wage, which is the livelihood of millions of minimum wage workers, has brought the question of “Will there be an interim increase in July?” back to the agenda due to the noticeable decrease in purchasing power as the middle of the year approaches. Initial statements that the minimum wage, which was determined as 1 TL net and 2025 TL gross as of January 22.104, 26.005,50, would remain constant until the end of the year changed expectations in the face of increasing inflation.
Minister Işıkhan Signals Interim Price Increase: Decision Depends on Inflation
Despite Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan's definitive "single raise" statement at the beginning of the year, his recent statements have been a glimmer of hope for employees. Minister Işıkhan signaled that an interim raise could be considered in the event of a possible increase in inflation, with the words, "We have to protect the purchasing power of our citizens. We expect a decrease in inflation, but if there is a setback, an interim raise could be on the agenda in July."
Critical Months: May and June Inflation Figures Will Be Decisive
Although the economy management predicts that the disinflation process will begin in the second half of 2025, the continuous price increases in the market and the increases in the prices of basic necessities make this prediction difficult. According to economists, if annual inflation exceeds 40 percent, the possibility of an interim increase in the minimum wage in July will increase significantly.
In this context, the inflation figures to be announced by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) in May and June will play a critical role in the decision on a possible interim increase in the minimum wage. It is stated that the government may be under pressure to make an interim increase in order to reduce the financial pressure on the working class, especially if the increase in basic expenditure items such as food, energy and rent continues.
Business World in Favour of Fixed Wages, Employees Want Interim Raise
While Minister Işıkhan’s statement that “The minimum wage remaining constant supports exports and employment” has been generally received positively in the business world, the same is not true for the working class. Given the high cost of living, especially in metropolitan cities, unions and various civil society organizations are voicing their demands for an interim increase. It is emphasized that the decline in purchasing power has a negative impact on the living standards of employees.
Interim Salary Increase Announcement Expected at the Beginning of July
The government is expected to make its final decision on the minimum wage after detailed evaluations at the end of June. In the event of a possible interim increase in July, the aim will be for this increase to be both compatible with policies to combat inflation and at a rate that will improve citizens' living standards to some extent. Therefore, it is eagerly awaited how the government will establish this balance.
In light of current economic developments and statements, the possibility of an interim increase in the minimum wage in July 2025 seems to be growing stronger every day. Inflation data to be released in the coming weeks will largely eliminate uncertainty on this issue. Millions of minimum wage workers are waiting with great attention and hope for the government's decision.
