TÜRK-İŞ calls for tax justice and higher pensions

The TÜRK-İŞ Board of Presidents has issued a 12-point list of demands addressing economic and social issues facing workers in Turkey. A primary focus of the declaration is the call for tax justice, specifically requesting a system where ‘less is taken from those who earn less, and more is taken from those who earn more.’

The confederation highlighted that current progressive tax brackets cause wage earners to lose net income as they move into higher brackets throughout the year. For example, a worker earning 2.5 times the gross minimum wage could see their tax rate rise from 15% in the first two months to 27% by June, despite no increase in salary.

Other key demands include ensuring that the lowest monthly pension does not fall below the minimum wage and protecting the purchasing power of retirees. Additionally, TÜRK-İŞ opposed the privatization of highways, bridges, and maintenance facilities under the General Directorate of Highways, arguing that profit should not take precedence over road safety and public service quality.