Turkey’s Hunger Limit Exceeds Minimum Wage
poverty
The United Public Labour Confederation has announced that the hunger limit in Turkey reached 24,210 TL in February, while the poverty line climbed to 75,342 TL, highlighting the continued financial strain on households.
Hunger Limit Exceeds Minimum Wage
Orhan Yıldırım, President of the Confederation, emphasized that the hunger limit now stands 2,100 TL above the minimum wage introduced in January. He pointed out that the minimum wage covers 60-70% of the workforce, meaning that millions of employees are forced to live below the hunger threshold.
“Even if four family members are employed, their combined income barely surpasses the poverty line,” Yıldırım stated.
Soaring Costs of Essential Goods
The Confederation’s research found rising inflation continues to pressure low-income citizens, despite government claims of economic stability. Price increases in February included:
- Meat, fish, eggs → +123 TL
- Dried pulses → +17 TL
- Milk, yogurt, cheese → +266 TL
- Fruits → +103 TL
- Bread, pasta, rice, bulgur, sugar, honey, molasses → Continued increase
The only item that saw a decrease was vegetables, dropping by 252 TL.
Poverty Line Sees Yearly Decline, but Challenges Persist
Despite the poverty line decreasing by 3,413 TL in February and 22,966 TL over the past year, Yıldırım stressed that economic policies continue to burden workers, peasants, and farmers.
“We reject that the cost of economic policies should fall entirely on the shoulders of laborers. We will keep fighting for fair conditions,” he declared.
With inflation showing no signs of easing, the Confederation warns that the hunger and poverty lines will likely continue their upward trajectory.
Source: karar.com
Translation: Cem Cetinguc
