Serdaroğlu: A Wage Below the Cost of Living Is Unacceptable

“Discussions at the Table Are Confidential Until the Minimum Wage Is Set”

Serdaroğlu noted that, for the first time, the Minister of Labour and Social Security chaired the Minimum Wage Commission. He said they found the minister’s management of the meeting and emphasis on confidentiality to be appropriate. Serdaroğlu stressed that discussions and decisions taken at the table are subject to confidentiality until the minimum wage is determined, adding that the federation supports this approach.

“In This Country, the Minimum Wage Is Not a Starting Wage, It Is a Living Wage”

Serdaroğlu underlined that around 60 per cent of insured employees in Northern Cyprus work for the minimum wage. He said comparisons with some other countries are misleading, as the proportion of minimum-wage earners in those countries is very low. In Northern Cyprus, he added, the minimum wage is no longer a starting wage but has effectively become a living wage.

“The Problem Is Not the Minimum Wage, but Those Who Created This System”

Responding to remarks by Employers’ Association President Metin Arhun, Serdaroğlu said it was wrong to criticise the level of the minimum wage itself. He argued that criticism should instead be directed at the rising cost of living and the government policies that have led to the current situation. He pointed out that those who remained silent in the face of increases in electricity, fuel and other basic expenses are now targeting the minimum wage.

“Rent, Electricity, Water and Education Costs Cannot Be Ignored”

Serdaroğlu drew attention to the housing difficulties faced by minimum-wage earners, noting that rents have risen to between £400 and £550. When deposits and agency fees are added, he said, it has become almost impossible for a minimum-wage worker to rent a home. Stressing that electricity, water, clothing, education and medicines are basic necessities, Serdaroğlu said any minimum wage debate that ignores these costs is unrealistic.

“A Wage Below the Cost of Living Is Unacceptable”

Serdaroğlu also commented on statements made by the Minister of Economy ahead of the minimum wage talks. He said that references to equality and justice must not remain rhetorical, and questioned how ministers would respond if a minimum wage below the cost of living were brought before the Council of Ministers. Defending the rights of minimum-wage earners, he concluded, requires determination, not just words.