Social state understanding and social policies in Turkey in the example of labour life (1923-1960)

There were some regulations for labour life during the Ottoman State period. However, these regulations were not strictly protective and inclusive. It was aimed at maintaining productivity in production, rather than protecting the rights and freedoms of employees, with the law and the order issued. In this period, It is not possible to talk about the existence of a certain labour law at this time and therefore a genuine social state understanding. However, in various periods, labour organizations were established and workers carried out strikes due to adverse working conditions. In 29th of October 1923, with announcement of the Republic, there were many economically breakthroughs took place in Turkey. Employment rates have increased with the state-established factories and the migration from villages to cities has accelerated. Working class was born by this situation but his newly formed class had various demands and needs. Various regulations have been made for this situation during the CHP ruling period. In 1936, the first Labor Law was established in a modern sense. But this law did not cover the whole working class. The labour relations were regulated by different legislations. Despite the ban on the strike, trade union activities and labour movements have found their own place in this period. In 1946, the transition to multi-party life has made significant changes in labour life. DP, which came to power by the 1950 elections, has never done so, even though it has received the great support of workers, especially with the promise that it will legally recognize the right to strike. The workers continued to strike, even though it was forbidden during this period. The trade unions have made a number of initiatives, such as meeting with the government to legally grant the right to strike, but they have not succeeded. Despite all this, workers in the DP period have gained a variety of gains in working conditions, working hours and fees.