NEWSROOM

According to the research carried out by IGIAD, the Human Living Wage (IGU) required for a family of four in Istanbul to make a living under humanitarian conditions in 2022 was determined as 5,303 TL. In the statement made by the association, it was emphasized that this wage should be accepted instead of the minimum wage understanding.

*** This release is originally published in Turkish.
Google Translate Application translates the content you see on this page.***

ISTANBUL (TR) - As a result of the research carried out by the Humane Living Wage Determination Commission of the Turkish Economic Enterprise and Business Ethics Association (İGIAD), the Human Living Wage (IGU) for 2022 of a middle-income family in Istanbul was determined as 5,303 TL. In the statement, which includes the information that economic fluctuations worldwide affect all sectors of employers and employees deeply in 2021 in terms of both health and economic developments, this research has been carried out in December every year since 2004. It was stated that the required IGU level was determined. In the statement of IGIAD, it was also stated that the IGU approach should be accepted instead of the current minimum wage understanding.

“Minimum wage updates should be made every 6 months”

Pointing out that the IGU figure is determined by calculating the monthly human cost of living for a family of four with two children to lead a prosperous life, IGIAD states that the increase in food prices due to the fluctuations in the economy has caused the purchasing power of 7 million people working for minimum wage to fall by half. The information underlined that the disproportionate increases in housing, transportation and other sectors make food-based IGU calculations difficult, and it is also stated that if it is applied in regions other than Istanbul, IGU can provide a small support to the maintenance of the average purchasing power throughout the year. Suggesting that the minimum wages should be updated not only in January but also in June for this year, IGIAD underlines that the real income loss caused by the inflation in the first 6 months should be evaluated in June and revaluation should be made in wages.

“A family in Istanbul needs to earn a minimum wage of 5,303 TL in order to make a living”

Mentioning that the Human Living Wage is an important indicator in terms of social solidarity and welfare, IGIAD's statement also includes detailed information on the scope and method of IGU. The IGU research conducted according to 12 different regions in the Statistical Region Classification of the Statistical Institute (TUIK); While it includes the expenditures of a family on food, clothing, housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels, furniture, home care, health, transportation, communication, entertainment, education services, SGK does not take into account tax and education expenses covered by the state. Emphasizing that, according to the calculations made using the data produced by TUIK, employers should pay a minimum of 5,303 TL per month to an employee in Istanbul to support their family, IGIAD advises employers to take action so that the human living wage is given to the employees.

They will be instrumental in social peace and development

Adopting the principle of "fair sharing of halal income", IGIAD proposes a base wage level that will enable average-sized families in different regions to make a decent living by developing an alternative IGU application based on the principles of equity, cooperation and adequacy of wages, instead of applying market conditions. He predicts that the fair share of the surplus value obtained in this way will increase the motivation in the business environment.