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Türkiye's minimum monthly wage will rise 27% to ₺28,075 net for 2026, Labor and Social Security Minister Vedat Isikhan announced Tuesday following the third and final meeting of the Minimum Wage Determination Commission.
The gross monthly wage will be ₺33,030, Isikhan said after the commission meeting hosted by his ministry. The increase, which takes effect January 1, represents a ₺5,970 rise from the current net minimum wage of ₺22,104.
The commission reached its decision with representatives from the government and the Turkish Confederation of Employer Associations (TISK) but without labor unions, which boycotted the proceedings. Turk-Is, the country's largest labor confederation, refused to participate for the second consecutive year, citing frustration that its proposals were not being adequately considered.
Isikhan defended the decision-making process despite the absence of worker representatives at the table, emphasizing that the ministry conducted separate consultations with labor confederations including Turk-Is and Hak-Is before the final meeting.
"The absence of the labor side at the table is not a very important deficiency," Isikhan said in earlier remarks, noting that officials had met directly with union leaders at their offices to gather their input.
In his announcement Tuesday, the minister struck a political tone, positioning the wage increase within broader economic challenges. He said Türkiye had achieved "a great recovery" despite regional wars, energy crises and supply chain disruptions, and criticized what he called "populist approaches" from opposition parties.
"We are not populists," Isikhan said. "We do not save the day, we act with an understanding that builds the future."
The minister emphasized that protecting workers' purchasing power remained the government's priority, stating that wage increases should not be "eroded in calls and labels."
The minimum wage directly affects approximately 7 million to 9.5 million workers in Türkiye, representing more than half of the country's 16.2 million paid employees. The rate also serves as a benchmark for wage adjustments across numerous sectors, making its impact felt throughout the economy.
Under the new rate, the total cost to employers will be approximately ₺36,054 per worker monthly, including social security premiums and unemployment insurance contributions. The current total employer cost is ₺30,621.
The determination process began December 12 with the commission's first meeting, followed by a second session December 18. Throughout the process, Turk-Is maintained its boycott position.
Ergun Atalay, president of Turk-Is, explained his confederation's stance in previous remarks, saying the decision to stay away from the table was based on economic realities. "The data is there, rent is there, transportation is there, education is there, food is there," Atalay said. "The losses in minimum wage are there. They should not ignore these."
The 27% increase comes as Türkiye continues to grapple with elevated inflation, though official rates have declined from peaks reached in 2022 and 2023.
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