As inflation continues to rise, employees’ daily meal allowances are rapidly losing value. Recently, Yapı Kredi Bank, a subsidiary of Koç Holding in the financial sector, made a significant adjustment to its meal allowances for employees.
In January, the meal allowance was increased from 210 TL to 260 TL, and with the latest adjustment, it has risen by 35%, bringing the new amount to 350 TL. This increase brings the total rise in the meal allowance to nearly 70% since the beginning of the year.
This decision was made following ongoing negotiations with BASİSEN (Bank, Finance, and Insurance Workers’ Union). BASİSEN President Metin Tiryakioğlu had highlighted that employees’ meal allowances were eroding due to inflation and expressed the need to address the resulting hardship.
My Take: It’s clear that inflation has taken a heavy toll on workers’ purchasing power, and it’s good to see that Yapı Kredi Bank has responded to help ease some of that pressure. With the meal allowance adjustment, the bank is trying to ensure its employees aren’t left behind by rising costs, a positive move that may set an example for others. It’s a tough year for many, but this is a much-needed relief.
