President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed the Joint Sharing Forum on Labor in the 100th Year of Our Republic, organized by the Confederation of Turkish Employers’ Associations (TISK) at Ciragan Palace with the theme “Labor in the 100th Year of Our Republic.”
Speaking at the Joint Sharing Forum on Labor organized by the Confederation of Turkish Employers’ Associations (TISK) at Ciragan Palace, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his satisfaction at being present with distinguished members of the business and labor world.
President Erdogan thanked the President and Board of Directors of TISK for organizing the forum, acknowledging the significant role TISK has played as the representative of employers in the country for over 60 years. He emphasized that TISK, as one of the three main actors in our working life, consisting of public, workers, and employers, plays a crucial role in safeguarding the rights and interests of employers on various platforms nationally and internationally.
President Erdogan stated that approximately 2 million people work in workplaces registered with TISK member employers. He congratulated TISK members for their contribution of 200 billion dollars to the national income and 100 billion dollars to exports, supporting Turkey’s development efforts through employment, production, and export.
Highlighting TISK’s constructive stance in minimum wage negotiations, President Erdogan commended the confederation for its role in ensuring labor peace. He expressed his good wishes for the 2024 minimum wage, set at 17,002 TL with a 49% increase, stating it would be beneficial for both workers and employers.
President Erdogan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to not burdening workers with inflation, referencing the removal of income and stamp taxes from the minimum wage in 2022. He mentioned the increase in the government’s support to 700 TL per insured person, emphasizing the importance of growing the economy for the benefit of all stakeholders.
President Erdogan concluded his speech with a call for unity, stating, “Together, as workers, employers, and the public, we will undoubtedly achieve victory in our struggle to strengthen our country.”
Emphasizing that the first and foremost criteria are serving the esteemed nation, Erdogan acknowledged the importance of everyone contributing to the growth and development of the Turkish economy. He highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting investors who contribute to the nation’s well-being and emphasized their determination to avoid divisive policies based on ethnicity, religion, or political views.
President Erdogan stated that Turkey needs the contributions of all citizens, regardless of their background, belief, or political stance. He addressed the challenges to national unity, particularly in the face of attacks on Turkey’s commitment to protecting its rights and interests and its unwavering stance on the Palestinian cause.
Addressing the artificial debates and divisive discussions, President Erdogan asserted that they would not waste a single second on such issues given the difficulty of the ongoing struggle and the regional situation. He emphasized the importance of focusing on common goals and fostering unity to ensure Turkey’s success in the 21st century.
President Erdogan praised the unity displayed by the business community at the forum and commended TISK for its principled stance, avoiding involvement in current political debates but maintaining close collaboration with the political sphere.
Closing his speech, President Erdogan expressed full confidence in the economic management team, acknowledging the challenges posed by the loss of momentum in inflation, particularly in the second half of the year. He highlighted ongoing efforts to streamline labor-related legislation within the framework of the Law Policies Board, expressing optimism about the positive impact of a potential new Turkish Labor Law on efficiency and productivity.
In conclusion, President Erdogan reiterated his belief that the achievements of the past 21 years are just the beginning of what Turkey can accomplish in the future, stressing the importance of unity, solidarity, and brotherhood to reach their goals.
source: aa.com.tr / prepared by Melisa Beğiç