From Digital Work to Labour Rights: Türkiye Strengthens Workplace Inspection System

Launched in 2023, the Workplace Compliance through Labour Inspection Guidance and Social Dialogue Project received funding through the European Union's Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III).

Türkiye has completed a three-year initiative designed to improve workplace inspections, strengthen labour law compliance and protect workers as employment patterns continue to change. Supported by the European Union and implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in cooperation with Türkiye's Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the project introduced new inspection methods, professional training and digital learning tools. Its achievements were presented at an international closing conference in Ankara, where government representatives, employers, trade unions and labour experts discussed the future of workplace regulation.

Launched in 2023, the Workplace Compliance through Labour Inspection Guidance and Social Dialogue Project received funding through the European Union's Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III). The initiative focused on strengthening the Directorate of Guidance and Inspection (DoGI), improving compliance with employment legislation and encouraging cooperation between workers, employers and government authorities. Activities were conducted primarily in Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir, Bursa and Adana, helping inspection services move toward a more preventive approach that identifies workplace risks and encourages employers to address problems before violations occur.

The closing event, titled International Conference on Labour Inspection and Guidance in the Future of Work in Türkiye, examined how labour inspection systems can respond to digitalisation, platform-based employment and changing working arrangements. Participants reviewed the project's achievements and discussed findings from a research report exploring labour inspection and guidance in Türkiye during the post-COVID-19 period. The discussions highlighted the importance of adapting labour regulations, strengthening professional expertise and involving workers' and employers' organisations in decisions affecting employment conditions.

New Training and Digital Tools Strengthen Labour Inspection Services

A major achievement of the project was the development of the DoGI Academy, an online learning platform designed to provide continuous professional education and preserve institutional knowledge. The platform allows labour inspectors, employers, workers and other stakeholders to access updated information about labour legislation, workplace responsibilities and inspection practices. Additional online and classroom training activities strengthened the professional skills of inspectors, ministry officials and social partners involved in workplace compliance.

The project adapted the ILO's Strategic Compliance Planning Model to Türkiye's national circumstances, introducing a structured approach to identifying labour risks and improving inspection effectiveness. The model was tested in the metal sector, supported by guidance activities and improvements to the Directorate's digital systems. These developments helped strengthen the preventive role of labour inspections by combining regulatory enforcement with practical advice for employers and workers.

Sector-specific assessments were conducted in construction, metal, textile and furniture industries to identify workplace compliance challenges and develop appropriate inspection strategies. The pilot programme included 312 workplace inspection visits, supported by awareness meetings explaining labour legislation, employment rights and employer responsibilities. Project activities also produced guidance materials and information resources, including Turkish translations of international publications addressing labour inspection and changes in employment practices.

Digital Employment and Platform Work Create New Challenges for Labour Protection

The international conference examined how technological developments are changing employment relationships and creating new challenges for traditional workplace inspection systems. Experts discussed digital platforms, non-standard employment arrangements and the need to protect workers whose employment conditions may differ from conventional workplace structures. These discussions explored how international labour standards could help governments respond to emerging risks and maintain effective protection across different forms of work.

Patrick Belser from ILO Headquarters addressed international labour standards governing non-standard employment and the difficulties associated with evolving working arrangements. Tim Tregenza from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work shared European perspectives on digitalisation, platform employment and emerging occupational safety concerns. Their contributions encouraged participants to consider how inspection authorities can update their methods to reflect technological developments and changing labour market conditions.

ILO Türkiye Director Yasser Hassan highlighted the project's contribution to translating international labour standards into practical national improvements. He noted that the ILO had recognised Türkiye's experience with Strategic Compliance Planning as an example of good practice at the global level. Hassan reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to supporting workplace compliance, protecting employees and promoting decent employment through cooperation with national institutions and social partners.

Social Dialogue and Long-Term Reforms Support Better Working Conditions

The conference placed considerable emphasis on social dialogue as an essential part of improving workplace compliance and developing effective labour policies. Representatives from employers' organisations and trade unions, including TİSK, TOBB, TÜRK-İŞ, HAK-İŞ and DİSK, discussed workplace rights, technological transformation and cooperation with labour inspection authorities. Participants examined how stronger communication between employers, workers and government institutions could help resolve workplace challenges and encourage compliance with labour legislation.

Erol Güner, Head of the Directorate of Guidance and Inspection, explained that the project had strengthened institutional capacity and created opportunities to incorporate recommendations from social partners into inspection activities. Silvia Pietropaolo from the EU Delegation to Türkiye emphasised that the project's success should be measured through improved inspector skills, better-informed employers and workers who understand how to exercise their rights. The discussions reinforced the importance of maintaining training programmes and cooperation mechanisms after international project funding ends.

The DoGI Academy, newly established Guidance Team, adapted Strategic Compliance Planning Model and improved digital infrastructure are expected to support inspection services beyond the project's completion. These systems provide a foundation for continued professional development, stronger institutional coordination and more effective responses to changing workplace conditions. Through its ongoing cooperation with Türkiye's government and social partners, the ILO continues to support labour rights protection, workplace compliance and decent working conditions for women and men across the country.