Labor pension in Turkey falls to half the minimum wage in 19 years

In 2002, the year when the AK Party came to power, the lowest labor pension was TL 257, while the minimum wage was TL 184. Today, the minimum wage is TL 2825, and the lowest pension is TL 1500.

Chairman of the Turkish Association of Pensioners (TUED) called for raising the lowest pension to the minimum wage level. In his written statement, he reminded that in December 2002, the lowest worker’s pension was TL 257, while the minimum wage for the same period was TL 184. He also said “Currently, the lowest pension is at the level of TL 1500 with a state contribution, and the minimum wage is 2 thousand 825 liras” and made the following assessment:

Between 2002 and 2021 minimum wage increase by 1433 percent while the lowest labor pension increased by 483 percent. In about 20 years, when the gap between the base pension and the minimum wage were decisively in favor of the pensioner, it is now reversed.”

THE PENSION BEGAN TO DECREASE AFTER 2008, WHEN THE SYSTEM CHANGED

Ergün stated that pensions started to decrease after 2008 and gradually fell below half of the minimum wage and said following:

“The injustice between the minimum wage and the lowest pension should be eliminated and a standard of decency should be provided by changing the monthly binding method, which causes great injustice. We appeal to Mr. President and the authorities; it is impossible to fight for life with a pension money of TL 1500. The lowest pension should be the same as the minimum wage. In order for our pensioners to survive in difficult winter conditions, mobile hikes should be made.” (Duvar)