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The Minister of Labor and Social Security, Sadik Gardiyanoglu, recently spoke with MYK News regarding the upcoming sector-based minimum wage policy, which includes a controversial plan to reduce wages by 30% for non-Turkish citizens. A preliminary proposal has been presented to the Council of Ministers, and the final details are expected by the end of February.
Key Sectors to Be Impacted
Gardiyanoglu revealed that 14 key sectors, employing 135,000 of the 145,000 social security holders, will be affected by the policy. These sectors include:
- Construction (highlighted as the riskiest)
- Tourism
- Restaurants
- Agriculture
- Animal husbandry
- Aluminum joinery, machining, and home services
Wage adjustments will depend on the risk associated with each sector, with high-risk jobs like construction expected to see greater reductions.
Wage Reductions for Third-Country Nationals
Over 40,000 third-country nationals are set to receive wages 30% lower than the standard minimum wage. The policy outlines:
- New Arrivals: Required to sign contracts accepting reduced wages.
- Existing Employees: Can opt into the lower wage system by signing agreements, while those who decline will keep their current salaries.
Employers providing accommodation (15%), food (10%), and transportation (5%) may apply the full 30% wage reduction. If these benefits are not provided, the percentage reduction will be adjusted.
Quota System to Safeguard Local Employment
To protect employment opportunities for locals, the policy introduces a quota system requiring a specific percentage of workers in each sector to be citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) or Türkiye. This is intended to ensure a balanced workforce and prioritize local representation.
Labor Shortages and Sector Challenges
Gardiyanoglu acknowledged acute labor shortages in sectors such as agriculture and tourism. Positions like shepherds, waiters, and hotel staff are increasingly hard to fill with TRNC or Turkish nationals. Despite this, some tourism roles—such as reception and housekeeping—remain popular among locals due to their more favorable working conditions.
Aiming for Balance
According to Gardiyanoglu, these measures aim to address persistent labor shortages while managing labor costs and safeguarding jobs for TRNC and Turkish nationals. However, the significant wage disparity raises concerns about fairness and potential exploitation of third-country workers.
The Minister’s statements have sparked debate on the implications of this policy, as the balance between labor market needs and equitable treatment remains under scrutiny.
