Monday, July 14, 2025
In a controversial move for the Turkish tourist market, a new law was enacted officially allowing tourism personnel in licensed accommodation establishments to work for as much as 10 consecutive days without entitlements for additional pay for overtime hours. The crucial amendment, which removes the previously established weekly rest day norm, was received largely with criticism and discomfort among labor rights advocates, unions, and the workforce.
Details of the New Regulation
Under the amended regulation, approved by the President of Turkey and officially published in the Official Gazette, tourism-sector employers are now permitted to extend the working period for their employees by up to four additional days beyond the standard six-day workweek. However, this extended working period is contingent upon receiving written consent from the employees. Despite this requirement, the law clearly stipulates that hours worked during these extended days will be treated as standard work hours, effectively eliminating any entitlement to overtime compensation.
Critics have noted that while written consent appears to be a protective measure, in practice, the high job insecurity and lack of union presence in the tourism industry may coerce employees into accepting unfavorable working conditions.
Constitutional and Labor Rights Concerns
The new amendment has raised substantial concerns regarding the constitutional right to rest, a principle deeply embedded in both Turkish labor law and international labor agreements ratified by Turkey. It has been argued by labor activists and union representatives that the regulation undermines established workers’ rights, potentially violating international standards set by the International Labour Organization (ILO), to which Turkey is a signatory.
Opponents emphasize that by eliminating the guaranteed weekly rest day, the law places tourism employees at increased risk of workplace fatigue, occupational accidents, and general physical and psychological stress. These factors could exacerbate already-existing labor issues within the sector, such as unregistered employment and precarious job conditions.
Rising Criticism from Labor Unions
Labor unions representing workers in the Turkish tourism sector have expressed strong objections to the newly enacted law. The primary criticism revolves around the perceived disregard for the rights of employees, who are viewed as disproportionately bearing the burden of ongoing economic pressures within the tourism industry. Union representatives have characterized the law as being inherently beneficial only to business owners and large hospitality corporations, who stand to significantly reduce labor costs through these changes.
Labor unions further emphasize that this amendment is reflective of a broader trend within the tourism industry to curb rising operational costs amid Turkey’s economic struggles. Inflation and declining tourist arrivals have driven businesses to prioritize cost-cutting measures, which unions argue now directly impact the basic rights and well-being of tourism workers.
Implications for Workers and the Industry
Experts within the Turkish tourism and labor sectors anticipate that the new law could trigger negative long-term effects. Instead of fostering employment growth or economic resilience, the amendment may instead encourage an expansion of informal labor practices, potentially increasing the number of unregistered or undocumented tourism workers. This shift toward informal labor could further degrade working conditions, wages, and employment stability within the industry.
Another pressing concern is workplace safety. With extended working hours, labor activists have raised alarms about a potential rise in occupational injuries due to fatigue-related mistakes, particularly given the physically demanding nature of hospitality jobs.
Conflict of Interest Accusations
Adding to the controversy, there has been significant criticism targeting the role of Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism in the enactment of this regulation. Critics highlight that the current Minister, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, is himself a prominent figure in Turkey’s tourism sector, owning one of the country’s largest travel and hospitality enterprises. This connection has fueled allegations of a conflict of interest, suggesting that the minister’s industry background has influenced regulatory changes favorable primarily to business interests rather than employee welfare.
Government Response and Further Information
According to official sources from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the intent behind the new law is presented as an effort to support Turkey’s hospitality industry through flexibility during challenging economic conditions. These government platforms further argue that the law provides businesses with the necessary agility to sustain operations and employment amid fluctuating market dynamics and seasonal variations.
For comprehensive details regarding labor regulations and workers’ rights in Turkey, further information can be accessed through official government portals, including the Ministry of Labor and Social Security and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Conclusion and Outlook
Passage of the contentious bill on tourism is a historic moment for Turkey’s hotel sector. As market reactions continue to unfold, the new law’s ability to achieve economic targets remains to be seen, or if the consequences arising from worker burnout, labor disputes, and potential litigation become an imbalance. Since tourist facilities are a fundamental element in the structure of the Turkish economy, the future direction for the hotel sector will be closely monitored domestically and internationally.
References: Ministry of Labor and Social Security, Turkey; Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Turkey
