Silent Slavery in the Private Sector: Where Is the State?

For years, private sector workers in Turkey have been struggling with numerous unlawful practices such as unpaid overtime, mobbing, wrongful dismissals, and illegal working hours. These illegalities not only threaten the physical and mental well-being of workers but also undermine the principles of fairness and equality in the workplace. Such practices are particularly widespread in sectors like healthcare, construction, and services, where employers exploit legal loopholes to disregard workers' rights. But how can these violations, which are so blatant and common, still persist? Why isn't the state taking action?

Unpaid overtime, working on holidays, dismissals without severance, and psychological harassment have become almost inherent parts of the private sector. In the healthcare sector, doctors and nurses are often forced to work long shifts, and these extra hours usually go unpaid. Faced with immense stress, many of these workers are hesitant to demand their rights out of fear of losing their jobs. The construction industry, similarly, forces workers into long hours under tough conditions, with unfair dismissals and unpaid wages being common occurrences. Combined with safety issues and illegal working hours, this sector presents a serious violation of human rights. In the service sector, mobbing is one of the most significant problems faced by employees. Being forced to work on holidays, constant psychological pressure from managers, and job insecurity leave service workers in dire situations.

The state's failure, particularly the Ministry of Labor, to effectively monitor and regulate these issues gives employers free rein to break the law. Inspections are often superficial, and employers manage to conceal their illegal practices by preparing in advance for audits. To improve working conditions, the government needs to tighten and enhance its inspection mechanisms. Routine checks alone are not enough; more comprehensive steps must be taken to defend workers' rights. However, it is clear that the state has yet to take the necessary actions in this regard.

One solution could be the introduction of a "secret worker" system, akin to the mystery shopper programs used in retail. In this system, inspectors would work undercover as employees to conduct on-the-spot evaluations. This would prevent employers from temporarily halting their illegal practices just before audits. Secret worker inspections would reveal the real working conditions in these workplaces and help the state devise more realistic solutions to the problems faced by workers. Such a system would go beyond mere paperwork audits and create a stronger deterrent for employers.

In conclusion, the unlawful practices in the private sector rob workers of their rights and continue to spread due to the state's lack of sufficient oversight. The Ministry of Labor must establish a more effective inspection system and take concrete steps to protect workers' rights. Implementing a secret worker system could be a crucial solution in detecting and preventing employers' violations of workers' rights. It is now inevitable for the state to take action and stop this injustice once and for all.