Turkey wage discussions shift toward living wage proposals

Discussions regarding wage policies in Turkey have shifted toward the concept of a ‘living wage’ for 2026. Cavit Habib, CEO of ISS Türkiye, suggested that a living wage should be set at least 25% to 30% above the legal minimum wage to ensure employees can meet their basic needs.

While the minimum wage serves as a legal floor, a living wage is calculated based on the actual cost of living. Habib noted that the topic of living wages is being debated in approximately 30 countries where ISS operates.

Beyond direct wages, the broader economic reality for Turkey's 32.4 million workers includes significant hidden costs. These include long commutes due to rising housing costs, limited access to public services, and the increasing expenses associated with healthcare and childcare.