The status of contracted personnel is reconsidered with every new law and regulation. Interest has grown especially around the recent EYT (retirement age adjustment) debate, which was expected to be discussed in the Parliament General Assembly but was postponed due to the earthquake agenda. New details about EYT continue to emerge.
One frequently asked question is whether contracted staff will have their contracts terminated under the EYT rules because of the 65-year age limit. The current response is relevant to many employees: the 65-year age limit tied to contractual working conditions is not automatically removed by EYT. It is emphasized that the 65-year threshold, as a limit for active service, is not directly linked to the retirement conditions lifted by EYT.
CAN SOMEONE WHO QUALIFIES FOR EYT KEEP WORKING?
Many contracted public workers wonder whether those who meet EYT retirement conditions can continue working rather than formally retiring. An answer has been given regarding whether the mandatory retirement clause in contracts will force them to retire when EYT becomes law.
Under the provisions of Law No. 657 for personnel employed as contracted civil servants under clause 4/B, the situation is widely discussed. According to that legal framework, contracted employees may remain in service up to the maximum age of 65 determined by the contract. Contract terms can specify an age limit; depending on those terms, continuing to work beyond certain points may be possible. Nevertheless, conditions differ from person to person and depend on the specific contract.
HOW THE 65-YEAR LIMIT RELATES TO EYT
For those who began working before September 8, 1999, and who are affected by the EYT regulation that removes the age criterion from pension law requirements, there is no explicit provision stating that contracted staff cannot be employed at age 65. The EYT arrangement, which eliminates the age requirement for retirement eligibility, does not automatically override the 65-year rule specified in the regulations for personnel appointed under 4/B.
Accordingly, the removal of the retirement age under EYT is generally unrelated to the separate 65-year employment ceiling applicable to some contracted roles. Under current interpretation, contracted employees can continue their service until they reach the age set in their contract—often up to 65—unless the contract specifies otherwise. The contract’s terms remain the decisive factor. If EYT is enacted by Parliament, additional clarifications and details will follow and determine the final effects on contracted personnel.