During its recent meeting, the Central Secretariat of SIDIKEK PEO discussed in detail the framework of demands to be submitted to the Ministry of Finance, aiming to conclude a framework agreement for Public Corporations, Local Authorities, and the broader public sector for the two-year period 2026–2027.

To formulate these demands, SIDIKEK PEO previously held worker assemblies and sessions with its Sectoral and Local Committees. Once finalized, the framework of demands will be forwarded to the Union's Board of Directors for approval, after which it will be submitted for negotiation with the Ministry of Finance, jointly with OHO SEK, as is customary.

Backlash Against Austerity-Era Pay Cuts for New Hires

In parallel with this process, the Secretariat of SIDIKEK PEO criticizes the stance of the government and the Ministry of Finance, accusing them of neither discussing nor acting toward the abolition of the austerity-era measure that mandates a 10% pay cut and the withholding of increments for two years for new entrants into the broader public sector.

The Union notes that this measure is applied only to the lowest salary scales and not to the higher ones, adding that it has raised this issue since the Memorandum period, when wage cuts and benefit reductions began to be restored. In recent years, the demand for its abolition has been put forward universally alongside OHO SEK and PASYDY.

Impact on Lowest Entry Scales and Staff Retention

Particularly regarding the lowest entry scales for workers and employees, such as A2 and A5, SIDIKEK PEO states that applying this measure under current inflationary conditions traps new entrants for two years at wages barely exceeding the minimum wage.

The low starting salary combined with meager increments over the first six years acts as a deterrent for young people, resulting in staff shortages or turnover from these scales.

Call for Immediate Dialogue on Structural Inequalities

Furthermore, the Union expresses strong concern over the reliance on service procurement (outsourcing) to cover permanent and continuous needs, making it clear that it will not accept the continuation of this state of affairs.

In conclusion, SIDIKEK PEO emphasizes that abolishing the 10% cut after 13 years is now a glaring distortion and inequality against new hires in lower pay scales.

For this reason, it demands that the issue immediately become the subject of meaningful dialogue with the Ministry of Finance, requesting an urgent position from the official side on this pressing matter before the Union makes its decisions in cooperation with the rest of the trade union movement.

Source: ink.com