Miners protest in Ankara for unpaid wages

In Ankara, a protest organized by the Independent Mine Workers' Union brought together civil society groups and political party representatives to support miners demanding their rights. The demonstration, now in its 16th day, focuses on the unpaid wages and entitlements of workers from Doruk Madencilik and Eti Gümüş.

Beyza Çavdar, speaking for the union, stated that despite 15 days of resistance, workers from Doruk Madencilik and Eti Gümüş have yet to receive their due payments. The union has organized multiple protests since April against Yıldızlar SSS Holding's alleged practices, including wage liens, severance theft, and forcing workers into unpaid leave.

The miners' demands are clear: they want public authorities to abandon their silence and take responsibility for the situation. Specifically, they are calling for the nationalization of mine properties and operations belonging to Yıldızlar SSS Holding. They insist that all worker dues must be secured, job security guaranteed in continuing operations, and all public decisions must prioritize workers' rights.

Çavdar also urged institutions that previously guaranteed a resolution to step forward. Promises made to Doruk Madencilik miners, based on an inspector's report detailing unpaid wages for mandatory leave and severance, must be fulfilled immediately. The report also identified unpaid union compensation, outstanding wages, and interest on late payments for six workers, all of which must be paid in full. Similarly, Eti Gümüş workers are demanding their severance pay, wages for mandatory leave, and interest, referencing the Doruk report. The union noted that the holding failed to meet its own August 6 payment schedule, rejecting further payment commitments and demanding either payment or state guarantees for their claims.

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Taleplerimiz en başından bu yana çok net ve açık, kamunun bugüne kadarki suskun ortaklık pozisyonunu terk etmesini ve kendi yarattığı bu mağduriyetlerin çözümü için sorumluluk almasını bekliyoruz. Yıldızlar SSS Holding'e ait maden arazi ve işletmelerinin, bu kapsamda kamulaştırılmasını talep ediyoruz. İşçilerin bütün alacakları güvence altına alınmalı; üretimin devam edeceği işletmelerde iş güvencesi sağlanmalı ve kamu adına alınacak her karar işçilerin haklarını öncelemelidir.