Turkish Supreme Court rules email expressing exhaustion constitutes resignation

The Turkish Supreme Court of Appeals (Yargıtay) has issued a precedent-setting ruling regarding the legal implications of digital communications in employment disputes. The case involved a Group President who, after three years of service, sent an email to their employer expressing grievances about negative workplace attitudes and unauthorized reductions in bonuses. In the message, the executive stated, “manen yıprandım, yoruldum” (I am mentally worn out, I am tired).

The employer interpreted these expressions as a formal resignation and terminated the employment contract without paying severance or notice pay. While local and regional courts initially ruled in favor of the employee—finding no clear intent to resign—the Supreme Court's 9th Civil Chamber overturned these decisions.

Upon reviewing the email, the employer's responses, and witness testimonies, the Supreme Court concluded that the totality of the evidence indicated the employee had effectively terminated the contract through their own volition. The court noted that the employee had not filed a claim for justified termination based on working conditions, leading to the final ruling that the executive is not entitled to severance or notice pay.