Job Discussion Forums

[tarte tatin]

I am being paid late for the second month running. I am legally employed, and my university is now 11 days late paying me. I am the only member of my department not to be paid, and the accountant told my department head there are 'other priorities'.

At what point am I legally allowed to take action against them or to break my contract?

[wander&teach]

Taking legal action in Turkey is not a viable option for foreigners and the schools know it. The legal process here is slower than molasses and very expensive so, not an option for you. You will never see results.

As for breaking your contract; for the most part contracts are not enforceable here. Either party can break it at will and there will be no consequences, other than hurt feelings. I assume you have your passport in your possession.

Have you considered not going to work until you are paid? Not sure where you are or where you are from but some schools/Turks play hardball and only respond to threats, which coincidentally works very well as most Turks avoid confrontation. You may want to consider leaving ASAP at a strategic time (most money in your pocket) as there are many "legitimate" schools here that do pay on time. Obviously they are experiencing some form of hardship and you will definitely be on the back burner.

[tarte tatin]

Thanks. I just talked to a lawyer who said I could not claim compensation as I have worked there for less than one year. She said I could terminate the contract without penalty.

I worked for this place before and one reason I went back is that they always paid on time.

Seems very shaky, you are right but now it is a bit late to start somewhere else.

[wander&teach]

Not necessarily. Many teachers bail at the natural mid-year break. I have noticed that Turkish schools generally hire year round but you must make the effort to find them.

It is odd that you are the only one excluded from being paid in your unit. If you haven't already, you may want to have a face to face with the principle.