"10-Day Condition" for Tourism Workers: Controversial Leave Law Enters into Force

A new law, published in the Official Gazette and effective today, has restricted the weekly leave entitlements of tourism workers. The regulation, approved by Parliament, now stipulates that tourism workers must work 10 consecutive days, rather than six, to be eligible for weekly leave.

Workers React: "Slavery Law"

The practice, dubbed a "slavery law" by tourism workers, has sparked serious debate regarding workers' rights. The current Labor Law provides for one day of weekly leave after six days of work, but the new regulation effectively eliminates it for certain occupational groups. Seasonal hotel, restaurant, and tourism facility workers are expected to be most affected.

No Additional Payment, Great Loss of Rights

Workers have described the usurpation of leave days despite harsh working conditions as a "violation of rights." The absence of any compensation or additional payment mechanism in the legal regulation is fueling the outcry. Unions and worker representatives have announced that they will initiate legal action to overturn the practice.

Concerns that it may spread to other sectors

Following the publication of the regulation in the Official Gazette, some employer representatives reportedly initiated initiatives to implement similar practices in the construction, agriculture, and service sectors. Experts emphasize that such regulations, disguised as "flexibility," introduce irregularities into working life and erode the value of labor.

A New "Normal" in Business?

Labor rights advocates and civil society organizations are concerned that this regulation will be imposed as the "new normal." They argue that restricting leave rights for tourism workers, who work long hours, especially during peak seasons, could lead to physical and psychological burnout.

While the new law is considered a significant step backward in terms of acquired rights in working life, it has also sparked widespread public debate.