Turkish public workers seek reinstatement after decade of dismissals

Public employees dismissed via statutory decrees (KHK) during the 2016 State of Emergency in Turkey continue to struggle for legal reinstatement and justice. Despite the official end of the State of Emergency, many consequences of the decrees remain in effect.

Saliha Zorlu, a member of the Confederation of Public Employees' Unions (KESK), reported that while over 2,000 members have been reinstated through the State of Emergency Procedures Investigation Commission and administrative judicial processes, approximately 2,100 members remain dismissed. These individuals face ongoing legal battles, economic losses, and social instability as they seek to return to their professional roles.