Will those working in the tourism sector be treated like slaves?

The Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) has passed a significant regulation that changes the weekly leave requirement for workers in the tourism sector. According to Ahmet Kıvanç of Habertürk, employees working in accommodation facilities that have obtained a business license from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism will now be able to use their weekly leave after working 10 days instead of six.

Under the new regulation, workers will be allowed to work 10 consecutive days and will only be able to take a weekly break on the 11th day. While the current Labor Law requires one day off per week, the tourism sector is exempt from this requirement. Furthermore, tourism employees working on a weekly break will not be considered overtime for their shifts on that day.

The Unconstitutionality Debate

Article 50 of the Constitution grants employees the right to weekly leave, thus constitutionally guaranteeing this right. However, this amendment paved the way for the relevant rule to be relaxed on a sector-by-sector basis. During discussions in the Parliamentary Planning and Budget Committee, employer representatives argued that similar practices were necessary in certain sectors, particularly construction.

It has been stated that similar requests have been submitted to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security from sectors other than construction, and that the new regulation may be expanded to include different sectors in the future.

Reaction from Workers' Representatives

Labor unions and other labor organizations reacted strongly to the decision. Representatives argued that this relaxation of weekly leave entitlements represents a significant loss of rights for employees and that it will further burden workers already working under harsh conditions in the tourism sector.

While the new regulation offers operational convenience for employers in the tourism sector, it has sparked serious debate among employees. A constitutional review process is also underway regarding the issue.