New Turkish Parliament Proposal to Regulate Working Hours for Student-Employees

Details of the New Bill in the Turkish Parliament On July 18, 2026, a new legislative bill was submitted to the Presidency of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) aimed at improving the working conditions of civil servants undergoing higher education. This proposal, prepared by Beritan Güneş Altın, the Mardin representative from the DEM Party, seeks to synchronize the working hours of these employees with their curriculum and exam schedules [1][2].

According to this proposal, employees studying at universities should have the legal right to adjust their working hours to minimize interference between administrative duties and classroom attendance. The bill has currently been referred to the Parliamentary Planning and Budget Commission for detailed review [2].

Focus on Educational Rights and Flexibility The text of the bill emphasizes that the right to education is a fundamental human right guaranteed by national laws and international conventions. However, the current structure of working hours in Turkish government offices is often considered an obstacle to the academic progress of young employees. The proposed plan includes: - Adjustment of working hours: Harmonizing office shifts with university class hours. - Supportive leave: Granting special leave during midterm and final exam periods. - Flexible work models: The possibility of using remote work or changing the place of service if necessary to be closer to the place of study [3].

These measures are designed to move away from the system of "managerial discretion" and turn it into a "legal right" for all eligible employees [1].

Special Support for Youth Under Social Services A significant part of this bill is dedicated to young people who grew up under the protection of the state under Law 2828 (Social Services Law) and are now employed within the government. Reports indicate that this group, due to economic and social challenges, needs structural support more than others to complete their education [2].

The bill states that the government, as the primary guardian of these youths, has a duty to provide conditions where they can reach the highest academic levels without the concern of losing their salaries or job benefits. This approach is considered part of the "welfare state" policy to reduce educational inequalities in society [3].

Current Status and Approval Stages The presentation of this bill has been widely reflected in specialized media for employees such as "Gazete Memur". Currently, many student-employees are forced to use their annual leave or face salary deductions to attend their classes [1]. If this plan is approved in the Planning and Budget Commission and then on the floor of the parliament, major changes will be made to the Turkish Civil Servants Law, which could serve as a model for other countries in the region regarding human resource management and continuous education [2].