Workers’ rights are among the most fundamental rights that every employee possesses. An individual working as an employee can defend their rights through legal channels in cases of workplace injustices, mistreatment, or wage-related issues. In a large city like Bursa, as the number of workers’ rights lawsuits increases, understanding how these processes work and which steps to follow plays a crucial role in the success of such cases.

In this article, we will discuss the legal steps to consider when filing a workers’ rights lawsuit in Bursa and ways for employees to deal with common issues. Additionally, we will guide you on how to follow the most appropriate steps in workers’ rights cases to defend your rights effectively.

Workers’ Rights and Legal Framework

In Türkiye, workers’ rights are guaranteed under Labor Law No. 4857. This law regulates the working conditions of employees while also defining the obligations of employers. Employees have several rights under this law, including:

• Right to Wages: Employees must receive a specified wage in return for their work. Employers are required to pay employees regularly.

• Right to Leave: Employees are entitled to paid annual leave, which employers cannot violate.

• Working Hours: Overtime work must comply with the limits set by law.

• Health and Safety: Employers are responsible for ensuring the safety of their employees, taking necessary health and safety measures at the workplace.

• Unlawful Termination: Dismissing an employee without just cause is a legal violation. The employer must prove that the termination is legally justified.

If these rights are violated, employees have the legal right to claim their rights. A workers’ rights lawsuit aims to protect these entitlements.

Steps to Follow When Filing a Workers’ Rights Lawsuit in Bursa

When filing a workers’ rights lawsuit in Bursa, following the correct steps is crucial for ensuring that the process is efficient and the case is successful.

1. Identify Injustices and Collect Documents

The first step is to accurately identify workplace injustices. Violations of workers’ rights often include non-payment of wages, unpaid overtime, or lack of workplace safety measures. Supporting these violations with concrete evidence is critical.

Important documents to collect include:

• Payroll records (to verify unpaid wages)

• Overtime logs (to demonstrate whether overtime was compensated)

• Witnesses of workplace incidents (testimonies from colleagues)

• Email correspondence or written workplace records (to show employer violations)

These documents play a key role in proving the employee’s claims during the lawsuit.

2. Obtain Legal Support and Work with a Lawyer

Workers’ rights lawsuits require expertise. Therefore, working with an experienced labor law attorney ensures that the process proceeds correctly. At YavuzLegal, our professional lawyers with experience in workers’ rights cases help defend your case effectively and achieve results.

A labor law attorney possesses the legal knowledge and experience needed to best defend workers’ rights, identify workplace violations, and initiate the necessary legal procedures.

3. Filing the Lawsuit and Applying to the Court

In Bursa, the court for workers’ rights cases is typically the Labor Court, which resolves disputes between employees and employers. Before filing a lawsuit, a reconciliation process may be attempted to resolve the dispute. However, if reconciliation fails, the lawsuit should be initiated.

The lawsuit begins with a petition detailing the employee’s rights violations and specifying the desired outcome.

4. Witnesses and Evidence Presentation

During the trial, presenting evidence regarding workers’ rights violations is essential. Witnesses and documents can be submitted to prove the employer’s legal responsibility. Listening to witnesses provides additional information about working conditions and violations.

Other employees at the workplace can also support the case as witnesses, influencing the outcome of the lawsuit.

5. Court Decision and Outcome

After the trial, if the court rules in favor of the employee, the employer may be required to cease the violation and pay compensation. The court decision ensures that workers’ rights are protected. If a ruling determines compensation or other rights, it must be enforced.

6. Appeal Process

If the employee is not satisfied with the court decision, they can file an appeal. At YavuzLegal, we provide legal support for the appeal process to ensure that the decision can be overturned in your favor if necessary.

Key Considerations in Workers’ Rights Lawsuits

When filing a workers’ rights lawsuit, consider the following:

• Statute of Limitations: Workers’ rights cases have a limitation period, so it is important to file the case in time. For example, the limitation period for unpaid overtime claims is generally 5 years.

• Legal Expertise: Workers’ rights cases can be complex, so working with a labor law attorney is crucial for achieving success.

• Evidence Collection: Gather and preserve evidence promptly when you experience injustice, as it plays a vital role in the case.