Turkish engineers' chamber demands revocation of mining licenses over unpaid wages

The Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB) Chamber of Mining Engineers has demanded the cancellation of mining licenses held by Yıldızlar SSS Holding, citing widespread issues with unpaid wages and worker rights.

Workers from Doruk Madencilik, a subsidiary of Yıldızlar SSS Holding, have traveled to Ankara for the fourth time to protest. This time, they are joined by workers from Eti Gümüş, another company under the same holding, which operates in Elazığ.

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Capital is usurping workers' rights without regard to who the mine workers are, where they come from, or which union they belong to.

The Chamber of Mining Engineers stated that both Doruk Madencilik and Eti Gümüş workers, affiliated with the Turkish Mine Workers' Union, are pursuing their rights in Ankara. The statement highlighted that "Capital is usurping workers' rights without regard to who the mine workers are, where they come from, or which union they belong to." Workers have not received their salaries and other legal rights, despite promises made.

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Why do we say usurpation? Because they have not received their salaries and other legal rights, which they earned through their labor and have the right to receive before their sweat dries, despite the promises made.

Despite guarantees from three government ministers, workers protesting for months have faced detention while the holding's management remains unaddressed by relevant ministries. The Chamber also learned that not only workers but also mining and other engineers have gone months without pay.

Citing Article 168 of the Turkish Constitution, which places mines under state control, the Chamber asserted that Yıldızlar SSS Holding and its subsidiaries are not managing the licensed mines in accordance with constitutional and legal regulations. Consequently, the Chamber urged the political administration and relevant ministries to enforce the law by revoking the holding's mining licenses and fulfilling their legal obligations.

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We call on the political administration and the relevant Ministries, who are tasked with implementing the law, to revoke the mining licenses held by the said holding, which does not manage them in accordance with the law, and to implement its obligations arising from other laws.