The Principle of “Ultima Ratio” in Termination of Employment Contract in Turkish Labour Law

Abstract

The risk of the employee losing his job against the employer’s right of termination is considered in this study, which found this right of termination to be limited in contemporary labour law systems. One aspect of this limitation is job security. In the job security system, the existence of a valid reason is examined during the judicial review of the termination. However, in some instances, the valid reason is not sufficient per se. Termination based on a valid reason should be proportional. Pursuant to the principle of proportionality, termination should be applied as a last resort. The principle of ultima ratio is examined not only in terms of termination based on business requirements, but also in terms of termination-based employee’s incapacity or behaviour. This study aims to explain the status of the principle of ultima ratio in Turkish Labour Law which means that termination should be applied as a last resort. Furthermore, focus is laid on the precedents by also examining the decisions of the Supreme Court on the matter.