Labor Law Attorney in Istanbul – Legal Support for Employment Rights

Labor law is the branch of law that regulates the relationship between employees and employers to ensure a fair and balanced working environment. In Turkey, labor law is primarily governed by Labor Law No. 4857, which outlines employee rights, employer obligations, termination procedures, and workplace safety standards.

Labor law not only protects the interests of employees but also ensures that employers comply with national and international labor standards. It covers critical issues such as job security, fair wages, workplace health and safety, overtime, severance pay, and protection against discrimination.

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What is Labor Law?

One of the most fundamental principles of Turkish labor law is to safeguard the employee, who is often considered the vulnerable party in employment relationships. In many cases, employees may not fully understand their rights or the legal procedures required to enforce them. This is where the support of an experienced Labor Law Attorney in Istanbul becomes invaluable.

Labor disputes can arise in many forms—unfair dismissals, unpaid salaries, mobbing, overtime issues, and workplace accidents. For both local and foreign employees working in Turkey, English-speaking labor lawyers in Istanbul provide the essential legal guidance to navigate these complex situations safely.

Trying to handle labor claims independently can lead to procedural errors and result in the loss of valuable rights. Therefore, having a skilled employment lawyer by your side ensures the legal process is handled correctly and your entitlements are fully protected.

At ASB Partners, we offer professional legal assistance in English, Turkish, and Russian, specifically tailored for expatriates, foreign workers, and international companies operating in Turkey. Whether you are an employee facing wrongful termination or an employer seeking compliance advice, our labor law experts are ready to assist you with reliable, practical, and timely solutions.

Labor Law Services We Provide in Istanbul

At ASB Partners, we offer a wide range of labor law services in Istanbul, designed to protect employee rights and ensure workplace fairness. Our legal team specializes in both individual and corporate employment disputes, providing strategic solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs. Below are the key labor law services we provide:

Severance Pay Claims

When an employee’s contract is terminated without fault, they may be entitled to severance pay under Turkish Labor Law. The compensation is calculated based on the employee’s last gross salary, including benefits like meal and transportation allowances, and is multiplied by the number of years worked.

Severance claims must be filed within five years from the termination date. Failure to act within this period can result in forfeiting the right to compensation. Our employment lawyers in Turkey assist clients in accurately calculating and claiming severance pay, ensuring their rights are fully protected.

Notice Compensation Claims

When an employer or employee terminates a contract without respecting the legal notice period, the violating party is required to pay notice compensation. Notice periods in Turkey range from 2 to 8 weeks depending on the employee’s length of service.

If the employer fails to comply with these notice requirements, the employee is entitled to claim compensation. Labor Law Attorneys in Istanbul from ASB Partners can help you understand your entitlements and pursue rightful claims.

Overtime Wage Disputes

Employees working over 45 hours per week are legally entitled to overtime wages, which must be paid at a rate of 1.5 times the regular hourly wage. Unfortunately, unpaid overtime is a common dispute in Turkey.

Employees can claim up to five years of unpaid overtime, and these claims can be supported by internal records, emails, witness statements, or work schedules. Our team offers legal assistance to gather evidence and ensure a strong claim for overtime payments.

Annual Leave Compensation

If an employee has accrued but unused annual leave at the time of termination, they are entitled to monetary compensation. Turkish labor law places the burden of proof on the employer to demonstrate whether the leave has been used.

Annual leave entitlement varies based on years of service, ranging from 14 to 26 days. Employees under 18 or over 50 years old are entitled to a minimum of 20 days regardless of service length.

Workplace Harassment and Mobbing Cases

Mobbing, or psychological harassment, is prohibited under Turkish law. Victims of mobbing can claim compensation, request the termination of their contract for just cause, or seek changes to their working conditions.

Proving mobbing requires solid evidence, such as emails, witness testimony, and formal complaints. English-speaking labor lawyers in Istanbul at ASB Partners can help you build a strong case and protect your dignity in the workplace.

Pregnancy Discrimination Cases

Dismissing an employee due to pregnancy is strictly forbidden under Turkish labor law. Such termination is considered discriminatory and invalid. Employees affected by pregnancy discrimination can file wrongful termination lawsuits and demand reinstatement or compensation.

Our labor law experts are experienced in handling pregnancy-related disputes and ensuring employers are held accountable.

Workplace Accident Claims

Workplace accidents can lead to both material and moral damages for the employee. If an accident results in loss of income, permanent injury, or emotional distress, the employee has the right to seek compensation.

We assist clients in preparing comprehensive workplace accident claims, including both financial losses and non-financial damages, ensuring full protection of their legal rights.

Service Determination Lawsuits

When an employer underreports working periods or fails to register employees with the Social Security Institution, a service determination lawsuit can be filed. These cases protect employee retirement and insurance rights and must be brought within five years.

Our team ensures that these complex claims are handled efficiently and correctly according to Turkish legal procedures.

Reinstatement Lawsuits

Employees who are terminated without just cause and meet the legal criteria can file for reinstatement. The employee must:

  • Work for an employer with at least 30 employees

  • Have at least six months of service

  • Hold an indefinite-term contract

If the court rules in favor of the employee, the employer must reinstate them within 10 business days or pay compensation between 4 to 8 months’ salary.

Our labor law attorneys in Istanbul guide clients through this process, from mandatory mediation to court proceedings, maximizing the chances of a favorable outcome.

Labor Law Rights of Foreign Workers in Turkey

Foreign employees working in Turkey are entitled to the same legal protections as Turkish citizens under Turkish labor law. Whether you are an expatriate employed by an international company or a foreign national working for a local employer, you have fundamental rights that must be respected. At ASB Partners, we provide comprehensive legal support in English, Turkish, and Russian to ensure foreign workers fully understand and exercise their rights.

The Right to Equal Treatment

Foreign workers in Turkey have the right to enjoy equal working conditions, wages, and benefits as local employees. Discrimination based on nationality is strictly prohibited under Turkish labor regulations.

Employers must provide foreign employees with the same contractual rights, including:

  • Fair wages

  • Overtime payments

  • Social security contributions

  • Paid annual leave

  • Safe and respectful working environments

Legal Work Permit Requirements

To work legally in Turkey, foreign nationals must obtain a valid work permit. Work permit applications involve coordination with the Turkish Ministry of Labor and Social Security and must be submitted by the employer on behalf of the employee.

Working without a valid work permit may result in legal penalties for both the employer and the employee. Our team at ASB Partners provides step-by-step guidance for work permit applications, renewals, and legal compliance.

Access to Social Security

Foreign workers who are legally employed in Turkey are automatically included in the Turkish social security system. This entitles them to:

  • Health insurance coverage

  • Retirement contributions

  • Maternity and paternity benefits

  • Disability protection in case of workplace accidents

Ensuring that these social security rights are properly registered and maintained is essential. If discrepancies arise, foreign employees have the right to initiate service determination lawsuits to correct incomplete records.

Protection from Exploitation and Unfair Dismissal

Foreign workers are protected against exploitation, unlawful termination, and harassment under Turkish law. Employers cannot dismiss an employee simply because they are a foreign national, nor can they impose discriminatory practices regarding working hours, pay, or benefits.

If you experience unfair dismissal, unpaid wages, or workplace harassment, you can seek legal remedies, including:

  • Reinstatement lawsuits

  • Compensation claims

  • Unpaid entitlement recovery

The Right to Join Unions

Foreign employees in Turkey generally have the right to join labor unions and participate in collective bargaining processes, provided they meet the same legal requirements as Turkish nationals.

This provides foreign workers with additional protection through collective agreements and union-supported negotiations.

Legal Support in Your Language

Navigating Turkish labor law as a foreign employee can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with language barriers and unfamiliar legal systems. At ASB Partners, we offer English-speaking labor lawyers in Istanbul who are experienced in representing expatriates and international workers.

Our multilingual team can assist you with:

  • Reviewing employment contracts

  • Handling work permit procedures

  • Filing wrongful termination or discrimination claims

  • Negotiating severance packages

  • Initiating reinstatement and compensation lawsuits

Why Work With ASB Partners?

When it comes to navigating complex employment laws in Turkey, having the right legal partner is crucial. At ASB Partners, we go beyond traditional legal support to provide a client-focused, multilingual service that makes a real difference in the lives of employees and employers alike.

Here’s why clients consistently choose us as their trusted labor law attorneys in Istanbul:

1. Expertise in Turkish Labor Law

Our team has extensive experience handling all types of labor law cases in Turkey, including:

  • Severance pay disputes

  • Overtime wage claims

  • Unlawful termination

  • Reinstatement lawsuits

  • Workplace accident compensation

  • Service determination cases

We have a proven track record of success in representing both local and international clients.

2. Multilingual Legal Support

We offer legal services in English, Turkish, and Russian, making us the ideal choice for expatriates, foreign workers, and international businesses in Turkey. With our multilingual team, you can confidently communicate your concerns and fully understand your legal options.

3. Personalized Legal Strategies

At ASB Partners, we know that no two cases are the same. We take the time to listen, evaluate, and develop customized legal strategies that align with your specific situation. Whether you are an employee facing workplace harassment or an employer seeking to comply with labor laws, we tailor our approach to achieve the best outcome for you.

4. Clear and Transparent Communication

We believe in providing clear, timely, and honest communication throughout every stage of your case. Our clients are kept fully informed of developments, legal procedures, and timelines, ensuring there are no surprises along the way.

5. Strong Litigation and Negotiation Skills

Whether your case requires aggressive court representation or careful settlement negotiations, our lawyers are highly skilled in both litigation and alternative dispute resolution methods, including mediation and arbitration.

6. Focused on Results

Our ultimate goal is to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome. We are dedicated to recovering unpaid entitlements, securing compensation for wrongful termination, and ensuring workplace rights are fully respected.

7. Accessible and Responsive

We understand that labor disputes can be stressful and time-sensitive. Our team is readily available to answer your questions and provide prompt legal support when you need it most.

Contact Our Labor Law Experts in Istanbul

If you are facing workplace disputes, unfair dismissal, unpaid wages, or any other labor-related issue in Turkey, ASB Partners is here to support you. Our experienced labor law attorneys in Istanbul offer legal services in English, Turkish, and Russian to ensure you receive clear, effective, and timely assistance.

Don’t let legal complexities or language barriers prevent you from claiming your rights.

📞 Phone: +90 530 182 85 98
📧 Email: info@partnersasb.com     🌐 Website: https://partnersasb.com
🗓️ Schedule a Consultation: Contact

We offer initial consultations to evaluate your situation and provide tailored legal advice for your labor law concerns.

Contact us today to:

  • Learn your legal rights

  • Secure your unpaid entitlements

  • File a wrongful termination claim

  • Start your reinstatement lawsuit

  • Obtain expert legal support for workplace issues

At ASB Partners, we are committed to protecting your employment rights in Turkey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What should I do if I am unfairly dismissed from my job in Turkey?

You must apply for mediation within 30 days of receiving the termination notice. If the dispute cannot be resolved, you can file a reinstatement lawsuit in labor court within two weeks after mediation. Working with an experienced labor law attorney is highly recommended.

Severance pay is based on your gross monthly salary, including regular benefits, and multiplied by your total years of service. The payment is due if the termination is not caused by the employee’s fault and must be claimed within five years.

Yes. Employees are entitled to claim unpaid overtime for up to five years retroactively. Overtime must exceed 45 hours per week and can be proven through company records, emails, or witness statements.

Foreign workers have the same labor rights as Turkish employees, including fair wages, social security, overtime pay, and protection against unfair dismissal and workplace harassment. A valid work permit is required to work legally.

Yes. Employees experiencing psychological harassment (mobbing) can file a legal claim for moral compensation and can resign with just cause. Solid evidence such as witness statements, emails, and HR reports is required.

Protect Your Workforce and Business with Expert Labor Law Support in Istanbul.

Ensure compliance and protect your workforce with expert labor law guidance in Istanbul. From employment contracts to complex workplace disputes, we provide strategic, risk-managed legal solutions tailored to your business needs.