Key regulations regarding the definition of night work, legal limits, overtime situations, and shift work conditions under Turkish Labour Law.
This article provides a detailed explanation of the concept of night work, its legal limits, exceptions applicable in certain sectors, and the rules of the shift system under Article 69 of Turkish Labour Law No. 4857.
Night Work in Türkiye According to Labour Law: Duration, Limits, and Implementation Rules
The Turkish Labour Law specifically regulates the concept of “night work” as part of working time regulations.
The duration of night work, exceptions for specific sectors, and how shift work should be organized are of critical importance for both employers and employees.
In this article, we explain the key provisions regarding night work and its applicable duration under Article 69 of the Labour Law, using a clear and practical approach.
What Is the Defined Night Period in Workplaces in Türkiye?
According to the Labour Law, the night period is defined as the time between no later than 8:00 p.m. and no earlier than 6:00 a.m., not exceeding a total of 11 hours.
Any work performed during this period is classified as “night work.”
What Is the Maximum Duration of Night Work for Employees in Türkiye?
The daily night work duration for employees cannot exceed 7.5 hours.
This limit serves as an important occupational health and safety measure.
However, in specific sectors, this limit may be exceeded only with the employee’s prior written consent.
In Which Sectors Is Night Work Beyond 7.5 Hours Permitted?
Night work exceeding 7.5 hours may be allowed in the following sectors, provided that the employee gives written consent in advance:
- Tourism sector
- Private security services
- Healthcare sector
- Petroleum exploration and drilling activities (as defined under the Turkish Petroleum Law No. 6491)
Other Practices to Be Regulated by Secondary Legislation
Article 69 of the Turkish Labour Law also allows for adjustments to the definition of night work in specific regions or workplaces, considering daylight saving time changes.
Additionally, extra pay for night work may be introduced or night work may be restricted for certain jobs.
Such matters are regulated through secondary legislation (by-laws or regulations).
How Is Night and Day Work Organized in Shift-Based Workplaces?In workplaces that operate with day and night shifts (also known as “rotation or post system”), the following rules must be observed to protect employee health and ensure operational continuity:
- Employees working the night shift must be assigned to day shifts the following week.
- A rotation every two weeks is also acceptable.
- Employees whose shifts change must be given at least 11 hours of uninterrupted rest before starting the new shift.
These practices aim to ensure both employee well-being and workplace efficiency in rotating shift systems.
Q&A – Frequently Asked Questions About Night Work in Türkiye
- What is the legal definition of night work?
Work performed between no later than 8:00 p.m. and no earlier than 6:00 a.m., not exceeding 11 hours in total. - What is the maximum daily duration for night work?
7.5 hours, except in certain sectors where it may be exceeded with written consent. - Which sectors are exempt from the 7.5-hour limit?
Tourism, healthcare, private security, and petroleum exploration and drilling. - What is required to exceed 7.5 hours of night work?
The employee’s prior written consent is mandatory. - How is shift work scheduled in practice?
A worker on night shift should be assigned to day shift the following week. - How much rest must be provided between shift changes?
A minimum of 11 hours of uninterrupted rest is required before starting the new shift. - Is additional pay mandatory for night work?
In some cases, yes. The obligation is determined by regulations. - Can the definition of night work vary with daylight saving time?
Yes, it may be adjusted through regulatory provisions based on local conditions. - What rights do employees have regarding night work?
Rights include limited working hours, mandatory rest periods, and potential additional pay. - Is night work permitted for all employees?
It depends on legal provisions and sector-specific conditions.
Legal Notice: The information in this article is intended for information purposes only. It is not intended for professional information purposes specific to a person or an institution. Every institution has different requirements because of its own circumstances even though they bear a resemblance to each other. Consequently, it is your interest to consult on an expert before taking a decision based on information stated in this article and putting into practice. Neither Karen Audit nor related person or institutions are not responsible for any damages or losses that might occur in consequence of the use of the information in this article by private or formal, real or legal person and institutions.
