Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan Visits TZOB: Addressing Issues and Solutions in the Agricultural Sector
Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan Visits TZOB
Minister of Labor and Social Security Prof. Dr. Vedat Işıkhan visited the Turkish Union of Agricultural Chambers (TZOB). During the visit, TZOB President Şemsi Bayraktar conveyed the issues the agricultural sector faces regarding social security practices and proposed solutions to Minister Işıkhan.
Minister Işıkhan invited President Bayraktar to participate in the 13th Labor Assembly, which will be held on April 29-30.
Bayraktar Thanks for Support on Behalf of Farmers
TZOB President Bayraktar began by expressing gratitude to Minister Işıkhan for the kind invitation and visit. He stated, “Despite being retired, our farmers who continue to contribute to production were unable to benefit from the 5,000 lira payment made to retirees. We are pleased to announce that these payments are now being made to farmers thanks to your sensitivity. We thank you on behalf of all retired workers.”
He also expressed thanks to Minister Işıkhan for addressing the issues faced by farmers due to the historical records of Agricultural Chambers in provinces like Bursa that affect the retirement processing of farmers who have reached the eligibility criteria.
Issues Faced by Farmers in Social Security Practices
TZOB President Bayraktar outlined the challenges farmers face regarding social security applications and proposed the following solutions:
- A regulatory amendment is needed for penalties imposed on errors in farmer registration processes by Agricultural Chambers.
- The duration for farmers to make social security premium payments should be reduced to 15 days, and the number of premium days should be lowered to 7,200, or state assistance should be provided for increasing premiums.
- It’s crucial to add the durations of exemption periods to the total working days and to offer opportunities for debt restructuring.
- The agricultural BAĞ-KUR premiums for women and young farmers should be covered by the state.
Minister of Labor and Social Security Prof. Dr. Vedat Işıkhan stated that the Ministry would work on the issues and solutions presented by President Bayraktar and take steps towards resolutions.
The meeting at the TZOB Headquarters was also attended by Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Security Faruk Özçelik, General Director of Labor Mehmet Baş, TZOB Vice President Ahmet Bahadır Sezgin, Board Member and Treasurer Hasan Kozoğlu, and General Secretary Hasan Hüseyin Coşkun.
John Peterson graduated with a degree in Agricultural Sciences from Wageningen University in the Netherlands. His specialization is in sustainable crop production and soil health management. John is passionate about integrating modern technology with traditional farming methods to enhance productivity while preserving the environment. He currently works as a consultant, helping farmers adopt sustainable practices.