Miners' Protest in Ankara Continues: Workers Reject Installment Option

Miners in Ankara are maintaining their protest outside the Yıldızlar SSS Holding building, demanding outstanding payments. While one union has reached a payment agreement, the Turkey Miners' Union remains steadfast, rejecting the company's offer of installments. "We do not accept the installment option," declared Selim Arslan, Secretary of the Turkey Miners' Union Central Anatolia Branch, to Cumhuriyet newspaper. "There are about 250 people who haven't received their severance pay, 400 who haven't received their seniority difference, and 100 who haven't received their notice pay. Their total dues amount to 200 million [lira]. Only 10 million has been paid. We are here until the entire amount is paid."

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We do not accept the installment option. There are about 250 people who haven't received their severance pay, 400 who haven't received their seniority difference, and 100 who haven't received their notice pay. Their total dues amount to 200 million. Only 10 million has been paid. We are here until the entire amount is paid.

The protesting workers are seeking full compensation, including severance pay, seniority differences, and notice pay, totaling approximately 200 million lira. Arslan highlighted that a portion of these dues stems from the period when the company was under the management of the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF). "We have dues from the TMSF period between 2016-2023. We obtained the contract booklet. We are also requesting these from TMSF. TMSF has already asked for IBANs to pay the remaining items. They say they are trying to pay during negotiations, but they are paying very low amounts."

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We have dues from the TMSF period between 2016-2023. We obtained the contract booklet. We are also requesting these from TMSF. TMSF has already asked for IBANs to pay the remaining items. They say they are trying to pay during negotiations, but they are paying very low amounts.

Political support for the miners' cause has emerged, with Zafer Party leader Prof. Dr. Ümit Özdağ visiting the protesters. After meeting with union officials and holding discussions with company representatives, Özdağ expressed his disappointment. "The company's attitude is leading to a ground that completely eliminates trust," he stated. "The promises made regarding the fulfillment of the workers' just demands continue to be unfulfilled."

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The company's attitude is leading to a ground that completely eliminates trust. The promises made regarding the fulfillment of the workers' just demands continue to be unfulfilled.

Özdağ urged government intervention, particularly from the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. "We can understand if an employer is struggling during a severe economic crisis in Turkey if they have no resources," Özdağ said. "But that is not the case here. Despite this, the insistence on not paying this amount, which is not very large for the company but very important for the mine workers, continues. From now on, a call needs to be made not so much to the company, but to the government and the ministry. We will see whether your ministry or this company is stronger." He pledged to visit the miners every day he is in Ankara. The union's president also indicated that if payments are not made, their next action will target TMSF.

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We can understand if an employer is struggling during a severe economic crisis in Turkey if they have no resources. But that is not the case here. Despite this, the insistence on not paying this amount, which is not very large for the company but very important for the mine workers, continues. From now on, a call needs to be made not so much to the company, but to the government and the ministry. We will see whether your ministry or this company is stronger. I promise, I will come to the miners every day I am in Ankara.