With the inflation figures announced by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT), the rate of increase to be given to civil servants and civil servant retirees has also become clear.
Accordingly, as of this month, a 5 percent increase in collective bargaining, as well as a 22,48 percent inflation difference will be reflected to the salaries and wages of civil servants in January 2022.
The civil servants reacted to the announced hike rate. Ali Yalçın, Chairman of the Confederation of Public Servants Trade Unions (Memur-Sen), stated that the figures are insufficient and said, “The increases of 3 percent plus 3 percent for 2021, which resulted in a disagreement and with the decision of the Arbitration Committee; It wasn't just defeated by inflation, it was crushed. The inflation difference is never enough to raise the falling purchasing power of the civil servant. Now is the time to increase the purchasing power of civil servants."
LOSSES MUST BE COMPENSATED WITH ADDITIONAL PAYMENT
Pointing out that the exchange rate and inflation increases between September and December melted the salaries and increased the inequality in income distribution, “With the new year; gas, electricity, gasoline, diesel, Motor Vehicles Tax (MTV) and Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV), fees, taxes, public transportation as well as food products’ prices were increased at a substantial rate. These facts should be seen and the losses should be compensated by making additional payments with the 'Additional Protocol,’” Yalçın added.
Yalçın stated that they did not accept the attempt to show the tax exemption as a raise, and called the government as follows:
“It should be clearly known that the loss in purchasing power cannot be compensated by paying the inflation difference. In this respect, we reiterate our determined stance to make an additional raise/additional payment with an additional protocol, which will be reflected on the salaries on January 15, and we expect the government to show its will as of now.”