Turkish employment law is primarily governed by Labour Law No. 4857. Bursa is one of Turkey’s largest industrial centres, and employment disputes are among the most common matters before its courts.
For employees
- Severance pay (kıdem tazminatı): 30 days’ gross wages per year of service, subject to a statutory ceiling, where employment ends for qualifying reasons,
- Notice pay (ihbar tazminatı): 2 to 8 weeks depending on length of service,
- Reinstatement for employees covered by job security,
- Overtime, public holiday pay and unused annual leave,
- Compensation for workplace accidents and occupational diseases,
- Claims arising from harassment and mobbing.
For employers
- Employment contracts, confidentiality and non-compete clauses,
- Disciplinary procedures and lawful termination,
- Representation in mediation and before labour courts,
- Occupational health and safety compliance.
Calculations
You can estimate your entitlements with our Turkish-language calculators, such as the severance pay calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is mediation mandatory in Turkish employment disputes?
Yes. For claims such as severance pay, unpaid wages, overtime and reinstatement, applying to a mediator is mandatory before filing a lawsuit.
What is the time limit for a reinstatement claim?
An employee must apply to mediation within one month of receiving the termination notice, and then file the lawsuit within two weeks if mediation fails.
Attorney Nurettin Canata
Member of the Bursa Bar (Reg. No 7458). Graduate of Ankara University Faculty of Law; former public prosecutor and chief public prosecutor.
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws and case law change; obtain advice specific to your situation.
