TRNC Authorities Have Not Yet Responded to Call for Minimum Wage Committee

The authorities of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) have not yet responded to the unions' call to convene a committee to set the minimum wage, which is set to take effect on September 1. The meeting should be scheduled within 15 days of the request.

Last week, the Federation of Free Workers' Unions (Hür-İş) urged the Minimum Wage Determination Commission and the Ministry of Labor and Social Security to hold a meeting. However, no response has been received so far.

Union leader Ahmet Serdaroglu stated that the organization has not yet received a reply to its request. The deadline to schedule the meeting is September 3, but the relevant authorities have not yet contacted the unions.

On May 21, the Commission decided to increase the net minimum wage in the TRNC by 23.5%, raising it to 29,640 Turkish lira. This agreement was reached between government and worker representatives, while the employers' side opposed the increase. There was a 10-day period for submitting objections, after which the minimum wage was reduced by 120 lira. As of now, the minimum wage in the TRNC stands at 29,520 Turkish lira.

The government previously announced that the cost of living would rise every four months in 2024. Consequently, the unions believe the new minimum wage should be implemented starting September 1. The law stipulates that the Minimum Wage Determination Commission can meet at least once and at most three times a year.