mevsimlik

Mevsimlik is a Turkish term meaning seasonal, and it is commonly used to refer to seasonal workers, especially those employed in agriculture during harvest periods. The word is formed from mevsim (season) with the suffix -lik, which denotes a state or condition.

Mevsimlik workers (mevsimlik işçiler) are typically hired to meet temporary labor demand in farming, fruit picking, pruning, harvesting, or packing. They may come from rural regions with limited year-round employment and travel to other provinces or regions where crops are in season. They are often recruited through farms, contractors, or cooperatives and can be paid daily or by piecework. Housing and meals may be arranged by employers or provided by local cooperatives; working hours are seasonal and can involve long days.

Regulation and conditions: Seasonal work falls under national labor and social security laws, with government agencies such as İŞKUR participating in placement and registration. Conditions vary, and some workers face challenges such as informal employment, irregular housing, and limited access to health care, particularly for temporary migrants or those without formal status.

Context and impact: Mevsimlik labor is a significant component of agricultural production in Turkey, enabling crops to be harvested across different regions and seasons. The pattern also reflects broader labor migration trends in rural economies and highlights issues of labour rights, social protection, and regional development.