As of February 10, 2016, Law No. 6663 went into effect. This law grants mothers who give birth the right to work half-days.
Who Is Eligible for Part-Time Work in 2017?
Mothers who are civil servants and give birth are entitled to part-time work after their maternity leave ends: 2 months for the first birth, 4 months for the second, and 6 months for the third and subsequent births. It is noted, however, that breastfeeding (nursing) breaks will not be granted concurrently with this part-time allowance.
If a civil servant mother gives birth to a child with a disability, or if a disability is detected in the child within 12 months after birth, the mother is entitled to part-time work for up to 12 months.
How Long Do Mothers and Fathers Have the Right to Work Half-Days?
The law introduced a new practice that also allows male civil servants whose spouses have given birth to work half-days. A father who is a civil servant may, at his own request, work half-days until his child reaches primary school age.
Who Is Covered or Excluded from Part-Time Work?
The Council of Ministers has the authority to determine, either together or separately, which civil servants will not benefit from the right to part-time work, based on factors such as position title, service class, or the institution or organization.
Salaries Will Be Reduced by Half During Part-Time Work
Civil servant mothers and fathers who opt for part-time work will receive half pay during this period. Social Security Institution (SGK) deductions will also be halved, and promotions in grade and step will be delayed.
Receiving half pay, half SGK contributions, and half credited service during part-time work means delays in meeting service-time requirements used for retirement-related measures: for example, the minimum six-month period used for additional indicators and the minimum two-year period needed for position compensation will be prolonged by the duration of the part-time leave.
Civil servants working part-time may make contributions to the Social Security Institution for the period they work part-time by paying the corresponding amount. However, even if they purchase these periods, it will not favorably affect their grade and step progression nor will it complete the minimum periods required for additional indicators and position compensation, such as the six months and two years mentioned.
The Minister of Labor and Social Security, Mr. Mehmet Müezzinoğlu, stated that work on the half-day work regulation was ongoing and that the regulation could be published at any time in the coming month.