What is termination for just cause?

Termination for just cause (haklı fesih) is termination with immediate effect, without waiting for the notice period. The employee’s just causes are listed in Article 24 of the Labour Code (İş K.) and the employer’s in Article 25. Both articles deal separately with health reasons, conduct contrary to morality and good faith, and force majeure.

Termination based on conduct contrary to morality and good faith must be made within six working days of learning of the other party’s conduct, and in any event within one year of the act (art. 26). For continuing breaches such as unpaid wages, court practice does not run the six-working-day period while the breach continues.

Giving the notice of termination in writing and stating the reason clearly makes proof easier in any later dispute. Applying to a mediator before filing a lawsuit for employee claims is mandatory. You can use the total employee claims tool to calculate the claims.

Legal basis

Labour Code (İş K.) art. 24 (termination by the employee for just cause)
Labour Code art. 25 (termination by the employer for just cause)
Labour Code art. 26 (six working days and one year)
Labour Code arts. 17–21
Former Labour Code art. 14 (severance pay; the only article of that code still in force)
Unemployment Insurance Law art. 51

These provisions and rates were last checked against official sources on 1 October 2026.

Note: This tool provides general information about Turkish law; the details of a specific case may change the result. For anything with a deadline, consult a lawyer to avoid losing your rights.