Minister of Labour and Social Security Mr Vedat IŞIKHAN sent a video message to the 111th International Labour Conference of International Labour Organization (ILO).

Minister IŞIKHAN pointed out that we are in a period in which the role of the ILO is becoming more important in solving the problems affecting the global work force, promoting the rights of workers, as well as ensuring social justice and decent work for all. He said: “I would like to thank the Director General for his report entitled ‘Advancing Social Justice’. Türkiye attaches great importance to the ILO’s ‘Global Coalition for Social Justice’ initiative."

“According to Global Humanitarian Assistance Reports, Türkiye has been the most generous country in the world since 2015.”

Emphasising he believes that the current problems in working life, as well as the challenges posed by new crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the climate crisis, can be resolved within this unique tripartite structure, Minister IŞIKHAN said: “According to the Global Humanitarian Assistance Reports, Türkiye has been the most generous country in the world since 2015. Minister IŞIKHAN continued his statement as follows: “Concerning the Russia-Ukraine War; we have been making intensive efforts since day one to eliminate the humanitarian consequences of the war and to establish a lasting and fair peace in the region. Thanks to the “Black Sea Grain Initiative” signed last July under Türkiye’s leadership, possible serious disruptions in the global food supply chains have been prevented. Furthermore, Türkiye continues to maintain its status as the country hosting the largest number of refugees by accommodating over 4 million refugees, 3.5 million of whom are Syrians. In this regard, I would like to express that we attribute great value to the “Global Coalition for Social Justice Initiative” in sharing the burden of responsibility Türkiye has been carrying more than 12 years in ongoing Syrian crisis.” 

“All of our practices are concrete evidence of ongoing efforts to protect and develop the labour force” 

Minister IŞIKHAN underlined that with the character of a social state, they strived to fairly distribute the added value generated by the growing economics to workers in the country and continued as follows:

“In line with this approach, we have abolished the income tax on the poriton of income for all wage workers that is equal to the minimum wage. In January 2023, we have applied the highest increase to the minimum wage in Türkiye’s history. In return for the labour they contributed to Türkiye’s growth, we have provided them with the highest social welfare share in our history through collective bargaining. We have expanded the social security coverage from 70 percent to 99.3 percent over the last twenty years. All these practices are concrete evidence of our ongoing efforts to protect and develop the labour force.”

“Türkiye has recorded significant achievements in eliminating child labor in the recent years”

Reminding that 12 June is celebrated as the World Day Against Child Labour, Minister IŞIKHAN said: “We regard the ratification of ILO Convention No. 182 by all member countries as an important step in this direction. Türkiye has also made significant achievements in eliminating child labour in recent years. In this context, I am pleased to announce that Türkiye is in the process of becoming a ‘Pathfinding Country’ of the Alliance 8.7 in order to share its experiences in combating child labour."

Stating that Türkiye welcomes the General Director’s report titled “Situation of Workers in Occupied Arab Territories”, Minister IŞIKHAN predicated the following: 

“We believe that the ongoing occupation, conflict and tension in the Palestinian territories contrary to international law will not serve to peace. I would like to emphasize again that Türkiye will continue to stand by the Palestinian people in their rightful and legitimate cause. I would like to extend my appreciation for the international support we received following the devastating earthquakes that occurred in Türkiye last February. I wish successful outcomes for all from the conference and greet you all with my deepest respect.”