KESK Marches to Labor Ministry With 20,000 Signatures: Demanding 35% Additional Raise

Members of the Confederation of Public Workers' Unions (KESK) delivered 20,000 signatures they collected from across the country today to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security in 48 folders, demanding a 35% additional raise. KESK members gathered in front of the minister held up a banner reading "Collective agreement is void, urgent additional raise needed."

KESK Co-Chairman Ahmet Karagöz stated that current salaries are eroding in the face of inflation, saying "These signatures are the voice of public workers struggling to pay rent, with growing flames in their kitchens, unable to cover their children's education expenses."

During the 2024 collective bargaining period, KESK had also submitted its request for an additional raise to the Labor Ministry, but the government rejected the proposal at that time and closed negotiations with an agreement below 35%. The Confederation announced that if the demand is not met, they could organize work stoppages during the autumn period.