Process For Employers' Termination Of Employment Agreements

In most legal systems, the main purpose of labor legislation is to protect employees against their employers. Likewise, in Turkey, the Labor Law provides certain conditions and requirements for the termination of employment agreements. Minor omissions may cause major problems. Unless an employer acts in compliance with the requirements of the Labor Law, an unlawful termination may trigger labor claims and re-employment lawsuits.

An employment agreement is generally executed for an indefinite term. However, under the Labor Law, in the presence of certain conditions, employers and employees may execute employment agreements for a definite term. An indefinite-term employment agreement can either be terminated (i) by sending prior notice to the employee in compliance with the notice periods stipulated under the Labor Law; or (ii) immediately, in the presence of a just cause, as prescribed under the Labor Law. However, definite-term employment agreements can only be