Gardiyanoğlu: Minimum Wage to be Reassessed in July

Gardiyanoğlu noted that small businesses are opposed to the increase in the minimum wage and emphasized that support for workers will be deposited into their bank accounts.

Gardiyanoğlu, who has a background in the labor sector and as a company executive, mentioned that he has worked in both the private sector as an employee and an employer. He listed the individuals who presided over the minimum wage committee, noting that previous meetings were chaired by undersecretaries.

Addressing the minimum wage figures, Gardiyanoğlu acknowledged the difficulties in maintaining employment and stated that small businesses have expressed concerns about the increase, saying, "Don't raise it, life will become more expensive."

Gardiyanoğlu reiterated that the minimum wage will be reassessed in July and that the market will be monitored. He pointed out that approximately 20,000 TRNC citizens receive the minimum wage, highlighting the premiums provided by the Employment Support Center.

He emphasized that support for workers will be deposited into their bank accounts and mentioned that efforts are being made to prevent an increase in unemployment rates after the end of premium support.

Gardiyanoğlu assured that the government has not dismissed the issue of the minimum wage and that efforts will continue.

In response to a question, Gardiyanoğlu referred to the agreement with the Contractors' Union regarding the Lapta Nursing Home, stating that an opening date has been set, but no progress has been made. He mentioned that the tender process for the Lapta Nursing Home will begin in the second half of 2025 and that there are plans to move the nursing home to Kalkanlı, although residents have opposed this move. He added that the contract with the company will end at the end of the year and that they may reconsider the contract cancellation with legal advisors.