Turkish miners have resumed a hunger strike in Ankara to protest overdue wages, according to reports from Agence France-Presse (AFP) on Monday. The miners, who traveled from the neighboring province of Eskisehir, where they work at a lignite coal mine supplying a thermal power plant, have been attempting to secure a meeting with the Ministry of Energy for a week. On Monday, the eighth day of their hunger strike, the demonstrators were reportedly blocked in a park and dispersed using tear gas.
The Independent Mining Workers Union stated that two members, including its President, Gokay Cakir, were arrested. The workers eventually resorted to lying on the asphalt next to their helmets, chanting slogans such as “Fight for bread.” The union claims that the miners have not received payment for a period of six months. The group arrived in Ankara on April 20 after walking an estimated 180 kilometers over nine days to voice their protest.
According to the union, the company that assumed control of the mine and power plant in 2022 has reportedly laid off or placed hundreds of employees on unpaid leave, leading to accumulated unpaid wages and compensation without resolution. This situation has generated considerable public concern in Turkey, a nation where coal contributes approximately one-third of the electricity supply, as stated by the Ministry of Energy. Furthermore, the cause of the miners has garnered public support due to their documented assistance in rescue efforts in the region most affected by the 2023 earthquake.
Topics: #miners #hunger #strike
Turkish miners have resumed a hunger strike in Ankara to protest overdue wages, according to reports from Agence France-Presse (AFP) on Monday. The miners, who traveled from the nearby province of Esk
What specific wage disputes are fueling the miners’ decision to continue the hunger strike?