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Turkish miners' protest at Energy Ministry continues over unpaid wages

Turkish miners' protest at Energy Ministry continues over unpaid wages

From Cumhuriyet · () Turkish

Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Miners protesting outside the Turkish Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources demand payment from Yıldızlar SSS Holding.
  • The miners, members of the Independent Miners' Union, have been protesting for 15 days in Ankara.
  • They claim ministry officials are ignoring their requests for a meeting, fearing confrontation due to unfulfilled promises.

Miners affiliated with the Independent Miners' Union continue their protest outside the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources in Ankara, demanding overdue payments from Yıldızlar SSS Holding. The demonstration has been ongoing for 15 days, highlighting the workers' persistent struggle for their wages.

Because they know. They promised us. Because they didn't keep their word, they are afraid to face the workers.

— Volkan ÇetinThe union representative explained why he believes ministry officials are avoiding the miners.

Union representative Volkan Çetin voiced frustration as ministry officials once again ignored requests for a meeting. Çetin addressed security personnel at the ministry entrance, seeking dialogue but receiving no response. He accused the ministry of avoiding engagement, suggesting their silence stems from the unfulfilled promises made by the company's management.

"They are afraid to face the workers," Çetin stated, implying that the ministry's reluctance to meet is a direct result of the company's failure to honor its commitments. He suggested that if Sebahattin Yıldız, the Chairman of Yıldızlar SSS Holding, had kept his promises to the workers, there would be no need for such avoidance. The miners believe the ministry's inaction emboldens the company to disregard its obligations.

This means they are that afraid of Sebahattin Yıldız (Chairman of Yıldızlar SSS Holding). If they weren't afraid, they would keep their word to the workers.

— Volkan ÇetinÇetin elaborated on the perceived fear of ministry officials regarding the company chairman.

The miners' protest underscores a significant labor dispute, with workers seeking resolution and payment for their efforts. Their continued presence at the ministry signifies their determination to have their grievances addressed and their rights upheld.

That's why they can't face the workers.

— Volkan ÇetinThe union representative concluded his statement on the ministry's avoidance.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.