Turkish workers to give their wallets to government in pay protest

A leading Turkish public sector union said it has called on its members to end their working day at 3 p.m. on Tuesday and to leave their wallets at the steps of the labour ministry in Ankara during a standoff in pay talks.

Labour union Memur-Sen said it was forced to take the decision after the government failed to meet its wage demands.

Turkey has offered public sector workers a pay rise totalling 14 percent in 2020 and 2021. Memur-Sen is demanding 11 percent next year and a further 9 percent in 2021, local media said.

Turkey is embroiled in a pay dispute with Memur-Sen after spending in the budget exceeded targets. The negotiations follow local elections in Turkey, which concluded in June with a re-run of a disputed vote for Istanbul mayor, won by the main opposition party.