Judicial principles and studies
Exemption and Fee-Imposition Rules in Labor Claims
This summary outlines how exemption and fee-imposition rules apply in labor claims, focusing on repeat claims and which party’s conduct triggers fee liability.
Updated: 10 September 2026
Prepared and reviewed by: Ashraf Al-Khawaja
Subject
Analysis of how exemption and fee-imposition rules operate in labor claims, emphasizing the effect of re-filing after an initial dismissal and which party bears fee consequences.
Summary
- A second claim seeking labor rights that were previously asserted becomes subject to fees if the first claim was dismissed for formal reasons; the same principle applies if the dismissal was on the merits, with the stated objective of ensuring seriousness and speedy adjudication (reference: Labor Cassation 703/2012). - Generally, if fees are imposed on a claim, appeals are likewise affected; nonetheless, the exemption privilege is granted to both litigating parties—employee and employer—under the understanding reflected in Article 26(b) of the Labor Law. - By principles of fairness, the party whose conduct causes loss of the exemption should alone bear the fees; it is not reasonable to make the non‑causing party pay because of the other party’s omission. - Consequently, when the claimant caused the matter to become fee-bearing, the respondent’s appeal is not subject to fees while the claimant’s appeal is (Cassation General Panel decision 8544/2018).
Practical significance
Re‑filing previously asserted labor claims may trigger fees, and establishing which party caused the loss of exemption determines who pays fees on appeal. This content is an educational summary and not a judicial text or legal advice.
Sources and references
Verify the official text and latest amendments before relying on this material professionally.