TÜRK-İŞ official calls for fairer tax system in Türkiye

Eyüp Alemdar, Deputy Chairman of TÜRK-İŞ and President of the Koop-İş Union, has called for a more equitable income tax system in Türkiye. Speaking at a union training seminar, Alemdar claimed that employees bear 65% of the country’s income tax burden. He argued that the current progressive tax structure causes workers to see a reduction in net take-home pay toward the end of the year as they move into higher tax brackets.

Alemdar advocated for a system where those with lower incomes pay less tax and those with higher incomes pay more, stating that workers should not pay a higher proportional tax than professionals such as lawyers, jewelers, or contractors. He expressed a desire for employees to receive the same net salary in December as they do in January.

Additionally, Alemdar addressed challenges regarding unionization, noting that rates remain below 15% nationwide and only 6% in the private sector. He emphasized the role of unions in securing decent working conditions, social insurance, and job security. He also noted that Koop-İş is currently engaged in collective bargaining negotiations with companies including Dyson and Benetton.