Harsh Reaction to the Government from Türkiye Kamu-Sen: Work Stoppage Across Turkey for Millions of Civil Servants and Pensioners

ANKARA - Reactions are growing against the government's 'misery raise' offer in the 8th Term Public Collective Bargaining Negotiations. On Monday, August 18, 2025, Türkiye Kamu-Sen held a large press statement in front of the Ministry of Treasury and Finance in the capital Ankara and a one-day work stoppage in all provinces simultaneously. Speaking at the protest, Önder Kahveci, President of the Public Sector Union of Turkey (Kamu-Sen), said that the offer, which ignores the demands of millions of public employees and pensioners, is unacceptable and said, "We are here to seek our rights, we are here to get our rights."

Government's Proposal Did Not Help Civil Servants

The offer of 10+6% for 2026 and 4+4% for 2027, which was brought to the collective bargaining table, was met with a strong reaction from the union. General President Kahveci emphasized that these rates do not make any sense against the cost in the kitchen, rapidly rising rents and market prices. Speaking in front of hundreds of public employees and union members participating in the protest, Kahveci said, "This offer is neither a remedy for the tables of civil servants and pensioners, nor a salve for their wounds! This offer is an offer that ignores the sweat of millions of people's brow."

"Salaries are not enough for a decent life, the housing problem is deepening"

In his speech, Önder Kahveci stated that the salaries of civil servants and pensioners are detached from current economic realities and are not enough to live humanely, and that the rent problem, especially in metropolitan cities, makes it impossible for civil servants to live. Stating that the exorbitant increases in fuel, taxes and fines are far above inflation, Kahveci said, "Salary and rent have become incomparable! We underline one fact in particular: Civil servant and pensioner salaries are not enough to live humanely today."

Kahveci drew attention to the victimization caused by additional additional payments that are not reflected in pensions and warned that this situation will deepen in the coming period. He also referred to the salary gaps arising from status differences between civil servants doing the same job and stated that the proposal does not eliminate this injustice, whereas they expect justice and fairness.

"We are using our strength from production"

The President of Turkish Public Employees' Union (TUIK) stated that they want a carefree and peaceful working life for all members of public services, from firefighters to foresters, from health personnel to education workers. Reiterating the union's demand for a raise of 88.6% for 2026 and 45.2% for 2027, Kahveci said, "We need a figure that corresponds to the sweat of our brow, not a desk figure!"

At the end of his speech, Kahveci called on the government and emphasized that the public employer should present a new, realistic and acceptable offer, taking into account actual inflation, growth rates, welfare share and past losses. Otherwise, he said, the livelihood problems of civil servants and pensioners will increase even more.

Thanking the citizens who participated in the action and patiently supported it, Önder Kahveci concluded his words by stating that the struggle is the struggle of the whole nation and that every right won will be a common victory. This action of Türkiye Kamu-Sen went down in history as an indicator of union unity and determination in the collective bargaining process.