The Confederation of Public Servants Trade Unions (Memur-Sen) launched a one-day nationwide strike on Monday after failing to reach an agreement with the government in collective bargaining talks for the 2026-2027 contract period.

The strike, joined by other major unions including Kamu-Sen, Birlesik Kamu-Is, and KESK, has disrupted public services across the country, with thousands of civil servants walking off the job to demand higher wages amid soaring inflation.

Memur-Sen has demanded a cumulative 88% wage increase for 2026 and a 46% raise for 2027, citing the erosion of purchasing power due to persistent inflation. In contrast, the government proposed a modest 10% raise for the first half of 2026, followed by 6% in the second half, and two separate 4% increases for 2027. A revised government offer last week included a ₺1,000 ($24.50) increase to the base monthly salary, which union leaders rejected as insufficient. According to July 2025 inflation-adjusted figures, the lowest public servant wage currently stands at ₺45,531 ($1,115), far below what workers argue is needed to meet rising living costs.

Leading up to the strike, public servants and retirees established “vigil tents” in all 81 provinces to protest the government’s proposals. In Ankara, Memur-Sen organized a mass rally in Anadolu Square on Monday, followed by a march to the Finance Ministry to press their demands. Memur-Sen Chairman Ali Yalcin criticized the government’s approach, stating, “The proposed ₺1,000 increase is unacceptable and fails to address the real struggles of workers.” He accused Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek of prioritizing fiscal discipline over fair wages, adding, “In the previous term, our wages lost ground against inflation, and we cannot accept further erosion.”

The Turkish lira has depreciated by over 19% against inflation since January 2025, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat). While annual inflation dropped to 33.5% in July 2025 from a peak of 75.5% in May 2024, workers argue that their salaries continue to lag behind the cost of living. The Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (Turk-Is) reported that the monthly “hunger threshold” for a family of four has reached ₺26,413 ($646.84), underscoring the financial strain on households.

Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek, a key figure in the negotiations, has faced criticism for his focus on long-term price stability over immediate wage hikes. Despite the strike, unions have been invited to further discussions at the Labor and Social Security Ministry, with Simsek expected to attend. The government has emphasized its commitment to fiscal discipline, arguing that excessive wage increases could fuel inflation further.

The one-day walkout has caused significant disruptions to public services, including government offices, schools, and healthcare facilities across Türkiye. In major cities like Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara, public transport and administrative services were notably affected, with many offices operating at reduced capacity. The strike follows a similar episode earlier in August, when public workers threatened action but accepted a revised government proposal at the last minute.

Memur-Sen and other unions have signaled their readiness to escalate actions if their demands are not met. “We are prepared to continue our struggle until the government offers a fair deal that reflects the economic realities faced by public servants,” Yalcin said during the Ankara rally. With inflation remaining a persistent challenge, the outcome of these talks will likely have significant implications for Türkiye’s public sector and broader economy.

For further updates on the wage negotiations and strike developments, follow local news outlets or check the official statements from Memur-Sen and the Labor and Social Security Ministry. (ILKHA)