Türkiye Kamu-Sen Urges Government: "Holiday Bonus is Also a Right for Public Employees!"

ANKARA – On Thursday, May 29, 2025, ahead of the upcoming Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice), Önder Kahveci, Chairman of Türkiye Kamu-Sen (Turkish Public Employees' Confederation), once again issued a strong call to the government for holiday bonuses to be paid to public employees. Kahveci emphasized that the current practice of not granting the same right to civil servants who are still actively working, despite it being paid to retirees every holiday, "damages feelings of justice and fairness," and stated that this practice is a requirement of the social state principle.

Public employees, facing increasingly difficult economic conditions and inflation eroding their purchasing power, are anticipating additional support before the holiday. Türkiye Kamu-Sen's call once again brought the economic hardships and demands of civil servants to the forefront.

Kahveci: "Our Civil Servants Are Also Struggling with the High Cost of Living!"

In his written statement, Chairman Önder Kahveci reminded that the holiday bonus paid to retirees is an "important practice that contributes to strengthening social peace, unity, and solidarity," but that not extending the same right to active civil servants is unacceptable.

Kahveci stated that public employees, just like all other segments of society, are "struggling with the high cost of living." He explained that civil servants' "purchasing power is eroding day by day against inflation, and they are facing great difficulties in making ends meet, covering their children's education expenses, and securing basic necessities."

He underscored that the holiday bonus "must be given" to civil servants who continue to perform their duties selflessly under these difficult conditions, so that they can fulfill their religious obligations, give pocket money to their children, and breathe a sigh of relief, even if for a short while, during the holiday.

"Inevitable as a Principle of Equality and Justice"

Önder Kahveci stated that in line with the state's social state understanding and the principle of equality and justice, extending the holiday bonus application to cover all public employees "has now become inevitable." He expressed that this step would not only boost the morale and motivation of employees but also contribute positively to the efficiency of public services.

Kahveci reiterated Türkiye Kamu-Sen's strong call, stating, "Holiday bonuses must also be given to public employees. This is both a requirement of social justice and an indication of a state understanding that values its employees."

Public employees and unions are eagerly awaiting a concrete step from the government on this matter before the upcoming Eid al-Adha. Whether the demand will be met is expected to become clear in the coming days.