Turkish government, civil servants sign new labor deal

By Ozcan Yildirim

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey’s government and civil service unions signed a new labor deal on Tuesday which will see a four-percent pay rise in the first half of 2018.

Following weeks of talks, labor minister Julide Sarieroglu said there would be a 3.5-percent increase in the second half of 2018. The raises will apply to both serving and retired civil servants.

Under the deal, a four-percent pay raise will be introduced in the first half of 2019 followed by a five-percent increase in the second half of the same year, Sarieroglu added.

Sarieroglu noted that, in the event of higher-than-expected inflation rates, an additional payment would be made.

"The lowest [monthly] civil servant salary, including family allowance, will rise to 2,929 Turkish liras (some $836) in the second half of 2018 and it will advance to 3,198 Turkish liras (around $913) in the second half of 2019," Sarieroglu said.

"The lowest retired civil servant salary will increase to 1,945 Turkish liras (approximately $912) in the first half of 2018 and it will rise to 2,093 Turkish liras (some $597) in the first half of 2019," she added.