KESK Aydın reacted to inflation data: We cannot make ends meet, we demand an additional raise

Confederation of Public Employees' Unions (KESK) members gathered in Aydın province, objecting to the official figures of the inflation data announced by the Turkish Statistical Institution today, revealing the real cost of living. In the group statement, it was emphasized that current inflation rates have fallen behind the increased figures reflected in civil servant salaries, and sharp attention was drawn to the silence of the government and the authorized_union. The workers stated that the announced data is far from reflecting the living conditions of an average citizen, that incomes are melting as the economic crisis deepens, and that price increases on market shelves have gained an unstoppable pace.

In the speech made on behalf of the group, the concerns and demands carried on behalf of KESK members were voiced, shouting that it has become impossible to get by with current salaries and that this requires immediate intervention. Union representatives stated that basic living expenses such as rent, transportation, food, and energy, which have increased recently, have surpassed salary raises by multiples, and this situation is dragging public employees into a debt trap. In the calculations made, based on the fact that official inflation does not fully reflect the cost of living, it was announced that the increases to be made to compensate for the lost purchasing power are insufficient and unexpected tax deductions further aggravate their troubles.

KESK Aydın representatives stated that the salaries of thousands of public employees currently struggling with the effects of the economic crisis remain below the hunger limit and called for urgent measures to be taken at least to lead a life befitting human dignity. The Union emphasized not only demanding a salary increase but also the need to eliminate tax injustice and ensure that all public employees are not forced to pay the bill for the economic crisis. The statement also noted that policies aimed at lowering the living standards of public employees should be stopped and the usurpation of union rights should end, recording that their demands are not just a salary increase but a general quest for justice.

Among the demands voiced with these sentiments and thoughts, in addition to the inflation difference, the application of a flat raise valid not only for this month but until the end of the year and the provision of a welfare share to all public employees were included. The activists expressed that they expect the authorities to take action to have their voices heard and eliminate their grievances, otherwise they will continue their struggle by increasing it and will never give up claiming their rights. The statement conveyed the message that KESK is the voice of its members experiencing similar problems not only in Aydın but all over Turkey, and that economic demands require a political solution.

As a result, this statement by KESK points to a much broader picture regarding the inflation and livelihood distress issues on Turkey's agenda, particularly clearly revealing the economic difficulties faced by civil servants and pensioners. The demands gathered under the title of We cannot make ends meet confirm the vital crisis experienced by public employees and the urgent need for an additional raise for solution in a period when salary increases are rapidly melting and living standards show a decline. The statement emphasizes the importance of concrete steps to be taken to eliminate these economic difficulties and end the grievances of the employees as soon as possible, calling on the authorities to duty.