Possible increase rates for the minimum wage to be implemented in 2027 have begun to be discussed.
Economist Muhammet Bayram stated that he expects an increase of approximately 30 percent in the minimum wage and said that the new minimum wage can increase to approximately 36 thousand 500 TL based on the current net wage of 28 thousand 75 TL.
Bayram also stated that in addition to wage increases, the tax burden should be reduced and social support for employees should be expanded.
25 PERCENT AND 30 PERCENT SCENARIO
Bayram stated that he expects the year-end inflation to be approximately 29 percent, and the inflation target for 2027 is 21 percent.
Saying that the average of these two rates corresponds to 25 percent, Bayram stated that if a similar calculation method is applied, an increase of around 25 percent could be on the agenda.
According to the calculation made based on the current wage, with a 25 percent increase, the net minimum wage increases to approximately 35 thousand 94 TL, and with a 30 percent increase it increases to 36 thousand 498 TL.
Bayram's expectation is that the minimum wage will increase to approximately 36 thousand 500 TL.
The calculations in question are based on possible increase scenarios. The minimum wage that will be valid for 2027 has not been finalized yet.
'I EXPECT AROUND A 30 PERCENT INCREASE'
Bayram said that the year-end inflation expected to occur in the minimum wage increase may be more decisive.
Evaluating that next year's inflation target may not be included in the calculation, Bayram stated that he expects an increase of around 30 percent.
In this scenario, the net minimum wage reaches approximately 36 thousand 500 TL.
DRAW ATTENTION TO THE TAX BURDEN
Bayram stated that not only the gross and net wage increase is important, but also how much of the income employees can use throughout the year.
Bayram stated that tax cuts reduced the net income of employees in the later months of the year and suggested that the way the minimum wage exemption is applied in the tax calculation be reconsidered.
Bayram stated that the minimum wage exemption should be deducted from the income, and in the current method, a discount is made on the calculated tax, and argued that this practice can increase the tax burden of wage earners, especially in the second half of the year.
SUPPORT RECOMMENDATION BASED ON RENT AND NUMBER OF CHILDREN
Bayram said that in addition to the wage increase, social support such as rent and housing aid, clothing support and fuel aid can also be provided to employees.
Bayram also suggested applying tax advantages according to the number of children and stated that such support could contribute to family budgets.
He argued that these supports could be implemented by the state waiving some tax revenues without creating additional costs for employers.
EMPLOYER SUPPORT CAN BE INCREASED
Stating that the support given to employers during minimum wage negotiations should also be re-evaluated, Bayram reminded that the current monthly support is 1,270 TL.
Bayram said that this amount could be increased to 1,500-1,600 TL in the new period.
He stated that increasing the support could make it easier for employers to cover the costs arising from the wage increase.
REGIONAL MINIMUM WAGE PROPOSAL
One of the topics that Bayram brought to the agenda was the regional minimum wage implementation.
Stating that living costs vary significantly between cities, Bayram said that high rental expenses, especially in metropolitan cities, increase the pressure on employees' budgets.
He stated that different wage levels can be evaluated by taking into account the development level of the provinces and the cost of living.
IT MAY ALSO AFFECT PRIVATE SECTOR SALARIES
An increase in the minimum wage may affect not only minimum wage workers but also other wages in the private sector.
Bayram stated that the minimum wage increase rate can also be used as a reference for salary increases in different sectors.
For this reason, the new minimum wage to be determined for 2027 is expected to be closely watched by a wide segment of employees.
