Overtime work

Overtime is work exceeding the statutory weekly working time limit. It is compensated at an increased hourly rate set by law, or, at the employee's choice, with compensatory free time instead of increased pay.

Overtime requires the employee's consent, and an annual statutory cap applies to its total amount. Where working-time averaging is used, exceeding the weekly limit may not count as overtime as long as the average is preserved. Additional restrictions apply to night work and to jobs subject to special health-based limits.

Most disputes turn on proof: timesheets, entry-exit records and witness testimony are decisive. Contract clauses stating that overtime is included in the salary are recognised by Turkish courts only within statutory limits and under specific conditions.