2025 Minimum Wage Increase Creates Controversy Among Employers

The minimum wage increase set for 2025 has sparked a significant debate in the business world as it falls short of expectations. According to the latest survey conducted after the minimum wage hike, the majority of employers (61%) are not satisfied with this raise. However, 43% of them indicated that they are considering an increase of 30% or more above the minimum wage for their employees. Most employers, on the other hand, are not planning for a mid-year raise.

Satisfaction Levels

According to the survey reported by Sözcü, the most striking finding was that 61% of employers responded negatively to the question, “Are you satisfied with the minimum wage raise?” Only a 39% minority found the raise to be sufficient.

Here are more detailed insights into the number of employees and the rate of raise planned by the employers:

64% of the survey participants have 1 to 10 minimum wage workers, while 34% employ between 10 to 30, and 10% have between 30 to 50 minimum wage workers. Additionally, 12% of them have 100 or more minimum wage employees.

Planned Raises

Another question in the survey was, “Will you give your employees a raise of more than 30% after the minimum wage hike?” to which 43% of employers answered “Yes.” 32% of them expressed negative opinions, while the remaining 25% are still undecided.

No Plans for Mid-Year Raise

The majority of employers are not considering a mid-year raise. When asked, “Will there be a second minimum wage raise in the middle of the year?” 67% of the participants answered “No,” indicating a strong expectation that the current situation regarding minimum wage increase will remain unchanged throughout the year.

Additional Aid Against Inflation

Another crucial question in the survey was, “What measures will you take to protect your employees against inflation apart from the wage raise?” 12% of employers plan to provide kitchen support, 5% consider rent assistance, and 28% are planning to give bonuses. However, 56% stated that they have not yet considered implementing any additional support for their employees.

Employers Expect Increased Wage Demands from Workers

Responding to the question, “How will employees react after the minimum wage raise?” 50% of participants believe that employees will demand higher wages, 34% think the current job status will remain, and 16% anticipate an increase in job mobility.