Turkish Miners Vow to Continue Protest Until All Dues Paid Amidst Company's Long-Standing Issues

Miners at Doruk Madencililik are staging a determined protest, refusing to budge until every last lira of their owed wages and compensation is paid. This standoff highlights a protracted struggle against a company that, according to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security itself, has been aware of its systemic failures for years. The ministry's own statements reveal a history of administrative fines levied against the company, dating back to 2023, for failing to meet its obligations regarding collective bargaining agreements and regular wage payments.

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We will not give up our resistance until all our wage claims and compensations are deposited into the workers' accounts.

The ministry claims that a significant portion of the owed amount, 36 million lira, has been deposited into the workers' accounts, with the company pledging to pay the remainder within the week. However, the workers, represented by the Independent Miners' Union (Bağımsız Maden-İş), remain skeptical and resolute. Their lawyer, Abdürrahim Demiryürek, emphasizes that they will not abandon their protest until all dues, including severance pay, are settled. He also points to the unjust dismissal of union organizers under 'Code 4,' further fueling the workers' distrust.

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They are trying to deceive us and the public. We will not give up our action until we receive our dues to the last kuruş.

The miners' demands extend beyond immediate wage payments. They are calling for the resolution of long-standing issues, including compensation for those unfairly dismissed before and after the TMSF (Savings Deposit Insurance Fund) takeover, an end to forced unpaid leave, payment of dues for retired workers, the establishment of a safe working environment compliant with health and safety regulations, the reinstatement of dismissed union leaders, and even the nationalization of the mine. As one worker stated, the company's claims about the amount owed are misleading, with payments covering only a fraction of the actual dues. This is not just about wages; it's about fundamental rights and dignity in the workplace.

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Our dues are not just wage claims.