BY ALAATTIN AKTAS
We know very well that the inflation rate for 2022 will be between 65-70% even at the widest margin. When we finish the year at 67% with 3% increases in November and December, the increase in the second half of the year will be 17.60%
This 17.60 percent inflation difference will be paid to civil servants and retirees. An 8% increase payment will also be made per the last collective agreement.
The inflation difference is more or less clear and the rate of increase that will be applied on top of this inflation difference is already known.
However, no one knows the total increase rate at this stage. The results of election polls will determine that rate. The ruling People’s Alliance will raise pay to the extent that it helps them to garner votes.
The minimum wage is another issue that closely concerns all segments of society. The decision will also be affected by election polling, just as it will be for civil servants and pensioners. The decision regarding how much to raise the minimum wage will be made by the government.
Some say that the minimum wage, which is currently TRY 5,500, will be increased to TRY 10,000. Other say that such an increase is impossibleand the amount will remain around TRY 8-9,000.
The minimum wage has many dimensions.
Of course, it is out of the question to think of the minimum wage as a number that only concerns the employee. There is a segment of the population that will pay this fee. Of course, the employee looks at the net amount that will go into his pocket, but the amount that is paid by employers is much higher. How will a vastly increased minimum wage be paid in these economic conditions? Employers will demand support from the state again.
Now, half of the country’s income hovers around minimum wage. This rate will rise slightly with the increase in wages. Those who can pay today’s minimum wage only on paper will pay even more employees under the table.
The increase in the minimum wage will give workers some respite, but it will also trigger layoffs.
The delayed pension age (EYT) is a problem that has been dragged on for years but is brought up only during election periods. The light at the end of the tunnel can now be seen. Various solutions are being devised, though they won’t make everyone happy.
Those who have suffered from this practice for years will breathe a little sigh of relief, but now, the business world is filled with anxiety. The employer segment is concerned about the burden of severance pay and the loss of qualified workforce that will arise from retiring EYT employees.
The business world continues its efforts to find support for the burden of severance pay and to provide premium support to those who want to continue working.
December will be a month when this issue will become, largely, clear.
