Emekli-Sen retirees protest insufficient pension levels in Sinop

Members of the Revolutionary Retirees Union (Emekli-Sen) held a meeting in Sinop to address the escalating economic and social challenges facing retirees. Union officials highlighted that current pension levels are insufficient to meet basic needs due to rising inflation and the increasing cost of living.

Emekli-Sen Sinop Branch President Kadir Demir stated that the minimum pension of approximately 23,500 lira falls significantly below the hunger and poverty thresholds. He noted that rising fuel prices have driven up the cost of consumer goods and warned that upcoming increases in natural gas and electricity costs will further strain retirees during the winter months. Demir emphasized that without a meaningful adjustment to pensions, retirees face impossible living conditions.

Additionally, the union is calling for a new pension system and the implementation of flat-rate increases (seyyanen zam) that were promised under collective bargaining but have not yet been reflected in salaries. The matter regarding these increases is reportedly currently before the Constitutional Court. Union Secretary Şükrü Zeki Demirel added that the current income levels make even basic mobility difficult, calling for increased organization among retirees to fight for their rights.