Government To Withdraw Decree, Push Amended Cost-Of-Living Bill Through Parliament

Sources said the new arrangement will not be referred to a technical committee, despite demands from trade unions, and will instead be brought straight to the General Assembly for approval.

Under the proposed changes, 50 percent of the cost-of-living increase would be paid based on gross salaries. However, sources indicate that actual losses for employees could exceed 50 percent. The June COLA increase is expected to be reflected in July salaries, but despite the “we are paying half” approach, only around one-third of the total increase is projected to be paid, with the remainder deferred until January 2027.

Meanwhile, the government is said to be maintaining its position in favor of holding early elections in January 2027. According to reports, Republican Turkish Party (CTP) leader Sıla Usar İncirli also held a brief meeting with Prime Minister Ünal Üstel.

The process continues amid ongoing strikes and protests outside the parliament building, where demonstrations have been taking place for several days. Trade unions are demanding the full withdrawal of the regulation and insist that the issue be handled by a technical committee, while heavy security measures remain in place around the assembly.

Kamu-Sen President Metin Atan reiterated the unions’ demands, calling for the decree to be withdrawn from the Official Gazette and for the related bill to be pulled from parliament and discussed within a technical committee.