Making a statement after TURKSTAT announced the inflation figures for August, Confederation of Public Workers Union (Memur-Sen) Chairman Ali Yalçın noted that fixed income citizens are the group most affected by the negativities in inflation and exchange rate.
He underlined that with Turkey's growth figures, the expectation is an increase in real purchasing power and a decrease in the general level of prices.
"FIXED INCOME EMPLOYEES ARE EXPERIENCING CHALLENGES"
Stating that the inflation rate for only 2 months is 19.44 percent, Yalçın noted that there is an inflation difference of 12.68 percent.
"In terms of fixed incomes; The area where the inflation, which arises as a result of transportation, production and cost, is felt most intensely due to the interaction between exchange rate-inflation-commodities; food, transport and energy. Especially those with fixed income, who invest a large part of their income on rent, are also experiencing difficulties due to the price increase in commodity products. Rent and commodity prices should be at the forefront of the struggle to ensure price stability in order to protect fixed incomes," Yalçın said.
“OUR HOPE IS THAT INFLATION DOES NOT EXCEED 25 PERCENT”
Reminding that the Turkish economy grew in the first and second quarters, Yalçın stated that the growth created an expectation for an increase in purchasing power and a decrease in prices.
Recalling the decision of the Board of Arbitration regarding public employees, Yalçın said, "With the approval of the government's proposal by the Public Servants Arbitration Board, a 15+10 percent increase will be made in the salaries of public servants and retirees in 2024. The expected inflation figure for 2024, announced by the CBRT, is 33 percent. Our hope is that the government will be right, that inflation will not exceed 25 percent, not 33 percent, in 2024, and that public servants will not suffer losses. Otherwise, it will be the 'inflation gap' that will determine the salary increases. Inflation difference will not compensate for losses and treat purchasing power."