Planned changes to criticized subcontractor system stir controversy

A draft law that foresees fundamental changes to the much-criticized subcontractor labor system in Turkey has sparked debate, amid outcry over the issue prompted by the May 13 Soma mine disaster.

While defenders of the draft say it will curtail the subcontractor system, critics suggest that it will actually encourage the system to spread.

The draft law jointly produced by the Treasury, the Finance Ministry and the Labor Ministry will change the Labor Law in a way to pave the way for the employment of subcontractor workers in core businesses and in all sectors, on the condition that they receive equal wages and are treated the same as regular employees.

Government officials have defended the plan, saying it will end the attraction of subcontracting from a cost standpoint by imposing and maintaining equal salary and equal safety measures for all.

One of the proposed articles states that “wages and social rights given to the worker of a subcontracted company cannot be lower than the wage and social benefits of a counterpart worker at the main employer.”

An official at the Labor Ministry said this would help alleviate the problem of the subcontractor system. “Why would a boss employ a subcontractor for its main job if the amount of money he gives is the same? Why would he prefer to include a subcontractor company that won’t cost him less?” he asked.

Officials have been working on the draft for months, but the Soma disaster that killed 301 workers has placed labor conditions in the country under the spotlight, raising public attention about the draft.

The system has been slammed for forcing workers to work under poor conditions and lower wages for...