Labor Lawsuits and Employee Rights in Turkey


How Long Does a Labor Lawsuit Take in Turkey?

According to the Ministry of Justice, the target duration for labor court proceedings in Turkey is 540 days at the first-instance court level. However, this period does not include the appeal (regional court) or Supreme Court (Yargıtay) processes.

In practice, factors such as:

  • Notification and summons periods
  • Witness testimonies
  • Expert evaluations and on-site inspections

may influence the actual duration of the lawsuit. On average, labor lawsuits in Turkey take between 4 to 18 months at the first-instance level. If the case goes to appeal or Supreme Court, the total process can extend to 3 to 4 years.

How Does the Lawsuit Process Work?

Labor courts handle disputes between employees and employers. These courts are classified as specialized courts, and they exist in most major locations. If there is no labor court in a particular area, the case is handled by a civil court of first instance.

Key Steps in the Lawsuit Process:

  1. Mandatory Mediation:

    • Before filing a lawsuit, mediation is required by law to resolve disputes between employees and employers.
    • If mediation fails, a lawsuit can be filed in labor court.

  2. Filing the Lawsuit:

    • If mediation does not result in a settlement, the employee can submit a petition to the labor court.
    • The court then reviews the case and schedules hearings.

  3. Court Hearings and Verdict:

    • The court examines evidence, witnesses, and expert opinions.
    • The process takes several months, depending on case complexity.

  4. Appeal Process (If Needed):

    • If either party disagrees with the verdict, they can appeal to the regional court and then to the Supreme Court (Yargıtay) if necessary.

For legal assistance in labor lawsuits, wrongful termination claims, and compensation cases, contact Üner Law Office in Alanya via uner.av.tr.

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