Soma Miners Face Uncertain Future as Operations Halt; Union Pledges Re-employment Priority

In Soma, Turkey, a somber farewell marked the end of operations at a coal mine, where 1361 miners shared emotional goodbyes after years of working together. The future of these workers now rests with Kartallı Kömür İşletmeleri, the new operator of the mine.

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We have reached the end of the table. Today is our last day at this operation. We wish this company could have continued, that investments could have been made, but it didn't happen.

Rıza Sal, the president of the Turkish Mine Workers' Union Ege Region No. 1, addressed the miners, acknowledging the end of an era. "We have reached the end of the table. Today is our last day at this operation. We wish this company could have continued, that investments could have been made, but it didn't happen," Sal said, emphasizing that the situation was never solely about compensation.

The union's primary goal over the past two years has been to ensure the miners could continue working in the same location. "Our struggle was for the workers not to be unemployed," Sal stated. He confirmed that an agreement was reached with Kartallı Kömür İşletmeleri to prioritize the existing workforce. "These 1361 workers are our priority. We will not allow workers from outside to replace those who have toiled here for years. We said this clearly at the table. Soma's miners come first," he asserted.

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Our struggle was for the workers not to be unemployed.

Sal reassured the miners about their financial entitlements, including severance and notice pay, stating they are guaranteed by the state through the Turkish Coal Enterprises (TKİ). "All rights arising from the collective labor agreement, coal allowances, and all other receivables are under state guarantee. TKİ will pay them in full. No one should have the slightest concern about this," he said. Official notifications will be issued starting tomorrow.

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These 1361 workers are our priority. We will not allow workers from outside to replace those who have toiled here for years. We said this clearly at the table. Soma's miners come first.

Regarding the resumption of operations, Sal explained that the new company will need approximately two to three months for preparations, including drilling and gallery setup, before production can restart. During this period, TKİ will maintain a security team on-site.

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All rights arising from the collective labor agreement, coal allowances, and all other receivables are under state guarantee. TKİ will pay them in full. No one should have the slightest concern about this.