The long-awaited developments regarding subcontracted (taşeron) workers have finally prompted official statements. Following recent announcements, the Minister of Labor and Social Security, Mehmet Müezzinoğlu, confirmed progress toward granting permanent positions to subcontracted workers and indicated that work on this issue is ongoing.
After the November 1, 2015 general election, the lack of concrete steps to provide permanent positions left many subcontracted workers disappointed. Addressing their concerns, Minister Müezzinoğlu provided a reassuring update, saying that the question of whether subcontracted workers will receive permanent status should be resolved within a year.
Subcontracted Workers’ Transition to Permanent Positions Will Be Resolved This Year
According to officials, the issue of transferring subcontracted workers into permanent positions will be resolved during the current year. Minister Müezzinoğlu explained that the state currently employs people under many different status categories, such as subcontracted, contracted, or other names, and expressed a desire to evaluate all such groups under a single framework. He stated, “We aim to create a unified structure. Our workshops are continuing. Subcontracted colleagues should remain patient for a little longer; this will be resolved this year.”
Minister Ahmet Arslan Also Commented on Subcontracted Workers
Another statement on the matter came from the Minister of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications, Ahmet Arslan. During the World Internet Day and Safe Internet Center introduction event on February 7, he addressed questions about subcontracted workers, noting that work on granting permanent status is still underway and that final details are being developed.
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Government Spokesperson Numan Kurtulmuş had also addressed the issue, saying that studies were ongoing and that announcements would be made when the matter reached its final stage. He added that discussions about promotional payments for retired citizens were also still in progress.
Procedures for Subcontracted Workers Moving to Permanent Positions
An important aspect of the transition is determining who will be eligible for permanent positions. According to the outlined criteria, subcontracted workers who wish to be transferred must have been working in the public sector before November 1, 2015. Candidates must also meet the civil servant criteria. Additionally, those who have reached age 65 or have already earned retirement rights will not be eligible for the subcontractor-to-permanent transition.
Eligibility will be limited to workers who have worked full-time for 12 consecutive months. Once the law comes into effect, applications can be submitted within one month. After assessing candidates’ qualifications and conducting security checks, ministries will determine the number of positions available. Those who pass institutional examinations will be appointed to the permanent positions.
Workers who enter the permanent cadre will continue performing their current duties, and their responsibilities will remain the same. Those placed under special contracted status will sign three-year contracts, and at the end of each term the contract may be renewed for another three years.
Who Are Special Contracted Personnel?
A new employment model has been introduced as part of the measures affecting subcontracted workers: Special Contracted Personnel. This model was developed to enable formal appointments of workers into designated roles. Requirements, exams, salary arrangements, contract durations, and other conditions for Special Contracted Personnel are determined by the Council of Ministers.
Employees included in this scope will serve in positions titled Special Contracted Personnel. Their contracts will be arranged in three-year terms, and they will be covered under Social Security category 4-A. In addition, they may be included within the scope of civil servant unions and could gain collective bargaining rights.
Rights and Salaries
According to official statements, rights and benefits for Special Contracted Personnel are not expected to be reduced compared with former subcontracted workers. Contracts will be renewed every three years, but these employees will not be granted permanent civil servant status. Salaries and entitlements will be determined and provided by the relevant public institutions.
Wages for Special Contracted Personnel are to be paid according to the tender contract as of January 1, 2016. Existing monetary rights may be increased up to the rate of increase applied to contracted personnel wages effective on their appointment date. Special Contracted Personnel will also benefit from the social rights used by personnel employed under 4-B contracts.