Social security reforms headed for parliament

Labor and Social Security Minister Faruk Celik yesterday held a final meeting with representatives of labor unions and employers on proposed social security and health insurance reforms. "We agreed on the number of workdays needed for retirement, namely 7,200," said Celik. Adding that the parties had been unable to reach agreement on the retirement age, he stated, "We worked for a compromise, and the demands should be met, as is their due. The ministry and other parties should be flexible." Parliament is expected to receive the reform bill soon.