Pensioners' Day Marked by Protest, Not Celebration: Memur-Sen Emphasizes Flat-Rate Pay Demand

Ankara – June 30th, observed as Pensioners' Day in Turkey, became a symbol of the struggle for rights rather than a day of celebration this year. Ali Küçükkösen, President of Emekli Memur-Sen (Retired Civil Servants Union within Memur-Sen), spoke at a press conference held at Ulus Heykel in Ankara, drawing attention to the severe economic hardships faced by retirees. He reiterated the demand for the flat-rate pay increase to be reflected in pension salaries. "We spent our lives serving our country, but today we are in the squares to seek our rights," Küçükkösen stated, summarizing the plight of pensioners.

"Why Isn't the Flat-Rate Pay Reflected in Pensions? A 300 Thousand TL Loss in Two Years!"

President Küçükkösen presented concrete figures to highlight the income inequality experienced by pensioners. He noted that the lowest pension for those who started work before 2008 is around 20,000 TL, while those subject to Law No. 5510 receive only 15,000 TL. The most striking point he emphasized was the additional flat-rate payment of 16,150 TL, which is reflected in active duty salaries but not in pensions. He stated that this situation translates to an approximate "300 thousand TL loss over two years" for pensioners.

"Pensioners Have a Voice, But No One Hears It: Social Security System Shaken"

Ali Küçükkösen lamented that pensioners, who should be living a comfortable life, are instead struggling for survival in public squares. He criticized authorities for turning a deaf ear to their situation. He stressed that the gap between active duty salaries and pension salaries is widening daily, fundamentally shaking the social security system. Küçükkösen also reacted strongly to the perception of pensioners as a burden on the state, stating, "We paid our premiums for years, we paid our taxes. We are not asking for rights that are not ours; we are only demanding the return of our sweat and labor."

Upcoming Collective Bargaining Talks in August to be Crucial

President Küçükkösen emphasized the vital importance of the 8th Term Collective Bargaining talks, scheduled to begin in August, for retired civil servants. He affirmed that Memur-Sen will be the voice of retired civil servants in these negotiations. Küçükkösen reiterated their demands: the full reflection of the flat-rate payment in pensions, aligning pension salaries with active duty salaries, and including all additional payments in pension calculations.

"Our state is strong, and it is within its power to correct this injustice," Küçükkösen appealed to the authorities. He also underlined the necessity of recognizing pensioners' constitutional right to organize and establishing a democratic and fair social security system without delay.

Strong Support from Memur-Sen on Social Media

The Memur-Sen Confederation also expressed strong support for the pensioners' struggle through its social media accounts. Their post read, "Our pensioners, who spent their lives serving this nation with their hard work and sacrifices, are in the squares on June 30th, Pensioners' Day, demanding justice and a humane life. As Emekli Memur-Sen, we will not remain silent; we are raising our voices."

The Confederation's demands included the full reflection of the additional flat-rate payment, closing the gap between active duty and retired salaries, granting pensioners the constitutional right to organize, and ensuring justice in income distribution. The statement concluded with, "Because we are; pursuing justice, following the path of labor. Our struggle for a just future and a humane life will continue with determination." This resolute stance by pensioners is expected to increase pressure on social security policies in the coming period.