Workers are focusing on the percentage of wage increases. As the year-end approaches, expectations regarding the minimum wage increase are taking shape. Here are the discussed figures and possible scenarios for the new minimum wage… Millions of workers are curious about how much of an increase will be made to wages. As the year-end nears, expectations regarding the minimum wage increase are starting to crystallize. It is expected that the Minimum Wage Commission will hold its first meeting in December. There has been an ongoing debate whether the minimum wage increase should be based on the end-of-year inflation or the target inflation. Various possibilities are being considered regarding the predictions for the increase. A 25% minimum wage increase rate is being widely discussed in the markets. A 30% wage increase is also among the expectations. A prevalent view in the business world is to raise the minimum wage to the level of 22-23 thousand liras. The opposition argues that it should be at least 30 thousand liras. Discussions about the minimum wage were prominent in the economic management’s talks in the United States. Finance and Treasury Minister Mehmet Şimşek said, “The minimum wage is determined as a result of negotiations between unions, employers, and the government, it would not be appropriate for me to comment at this stage.” According to Bloomberg’s report, during an investor meeting, Central Bank Governor Fatih Karahan was asked about the minimum wage. Karahan mentioned that an increase of around 25% would be in line with the inflation outlook. 2024: 38% 2024 upper limit: 42% 2024 lower limit: 34% 2025: 14% 2025 upper limit: 21% 2024: 41.5% 2025: 17.6% 2026: 9.7% The minimum wage was increased by 49.11% last January, rising to 17,002 liras. If a 25% increase is implemented in January, the new minimum wage will be 21,250 liras. If the OVP’s inflation target of 41.5% is achieved, it will exceed 24,000 liras. If the inflation rate targeted in the OVP for 2025 of 17.5% is reached, it will rise to 19,975 liras. With a 38% increase as aimed by the Central Bank, it will reach 23,460 liras. If the 14% increase aimed by the CBRT for 2025 is reached, it will rise to 19,380 liras. If a 21% increase is implemented matching the 2025 upper limit, it will be 20,570 liras. A 30% increase in the minimum wage will push it to 22,100 liras. If a 40% increase is implemented, the new minimum wage will rise to 23,802 liras. The market’s expectations point towards a 45% increase, making it 24,650 liras. A joint call was made by 118 economists for a common minimum wage increase. The statement highlighted that the issue of high inflation makes economically vulnerable low-income citizens and those working on minimum wage. It was stated that setting the expected increase for 2025 based on the assumed inflation rate of 25% instead of the actual inflation, scientifically and socially raises concerns. Emphasis was placed on considering the actual inflation rate when determining the minimum wage increase. Additionally, a human resources company announced that estimated minimum wage will be around 25,500 liras. Employers have started planning their budgets accordingly.