The global coronavirus pandemic has intensified, and with colder weather making vehicle use more necessary, commuting has become more challenging. To prevent crowding on public transit—especially in large cities where people prefer public transportation over private cars—work hours in Istanbul have been adjusted during business days. The shortening of working hours will not affect salaries or bonuses.
Work Hours Have Changed
Due to insufficient precautions and lax attention, reported COVID-19 cases, which began to decline in early June, started rising again by August. As temperatures dropped and the use of public transportation increased for commuting, major cities like Istanbul introduced new, staggered work schedules to reduce the risk for employees. The aim is to prevent crowding and slow the spread of the virus by staggering start and end times.
With the circular issued on August 26, flexible working models such as remote work and rotational shifts were recommended for public institutions regardless of the employment type. Accordingly, to reduce passenger density on public transit and workplace crowding during commutes, Istanbul implemented staggered working hours. Under the decision taken to lower human density and thus curb viral transmission, institutions will apply different work schedules.
According to the Istanbul Governor’s Office, the Istanbul Provincial Public Health Board decided that, starting September 28, 2020, both public and private sector employees would begin working under a staggered shift system. Public institutions’ working hours changed on September 28, and private-sector employers are expected to align their schedules accordingly.
When Will Private Sector Hours Change?
There is no definitive date yet for staggered hours in the private sector. Staggered shifts in private workplaces will be possible through agreements among social partners. Negotiations on specific start and end times are ongoing. The Istanbul Governor’s Office has stated that work continues on defining staggered hours for the private sector.
Staggered schedules are especially necessary for private-sector employees. Most public-sector workers tend to use private vehicles, whereas an estimated 60% or more of private-sector employees rely on public transport. Therefore, staggered hours should primarily target private-sector staff to reduce crowding during peak commuting times.
As of September, approximately 4.2 million people in Istanbul were using public transportation, causing significant congestion during morning and evening rush hours. Although the exact conditions for private-sector staggered shifts will be determined in the coming weeks, there will be no reductions or violations of social security rights or wages for either private- or public-sector employees. Additionally, the staggered schedule will apply to all employees, not just those who volunteer for it.
What Are the Staggered Hours for Civil Servants?
Staggered hours for civil servants have been set for Istanbul. The new schedule applies to the Provincial Gendarmerie, Provincial Police Department, Coast Guard Marmara and Straits Region Command, metropolitan and district municipalities, healthcare institutions, and all other public bodies and agencies.
Under the new timetable, metropolitan and district municipality employees will start work at 08:00 and finish at 16:30. Health sector employees in public institutions will begin at 08:30 and end at 16:30. For all other public institutions and organizations, the official start time will be 09:00, with the workday ending at 16:30.