Pregnant Worker Rights

The pre- and post-natal rights of female workers are protected by the Labor Law No. 4857 and related regulations. According to the labor law, pregnant worker have the following rights:

Health check-up leave: After notifying the employer of the pregnancy status of the female worker, the female worker can go for the check-up, determined by the doctor. The employer, cannot make any deductions from the wages of the female worker.

Normal work: A pregnant woman cannot worked more than 7.5 hours a day.

Night work: Women workers who are pregnant cannot be worked in night shifts (20:00-06:00) until the end of the 6th month after the delivery date, from the date of notification to the employer that they are pregnant.

Overtime: After the date when the female worker notifies that she is pregnant, she cannot be worked overtime until the child reaches one year of age.
Employment in dangerous jobs: It is forbidden for a female worker to be employed in a way that endanger her health. The employer is responsible for providing a safe working environment.
Maternity leave: The female worker has prenatal and postnatal leave. In order for the birth to take place, 8 weeks from the 32nd week of pregnancy in single pregnancies, 10 weeks from the 30th week of pregnancy in multiple pregnancies, paid maternity leave is granted. Postpartum leave is 8 weeks in single pregnancy and 10 weeks in multiple pregnancies as before. Maternity leaves are paid leaves.
Unpaid leave: After the completion of the maternity leave periods, up to 6 months of unpaid leave can be granted upon the request of the female worker.
Breastfeeding leave: A total of 1.5 hours of breastfeeding per day should be given for children under the age of one to breastfeed. The desire of the pregnant employee will be at the forefront in determining this period.