Turkish Miners Launch Hunger Strike in Ankara: “We Face Death Underground, Hunger Above Ground”

Coal miners from Doruk Madencilik have launched a hunger strike outside Türkiye’s Energy Ministry after months of unpaid wages, escalating protests that began as a march from Eskişehir. Workers say they have been unable to support their families for over four months, warning they will not leave until their demands are met.

Miners escalate protest with hunger strike

Miners employed by Doruk Madencilik, a subsidiary of Yıldızlar SSS Holding, began a hunger strike in front of the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry in Ankara after being blocked by police during a protest march.

The workers had set out from Eskişehir’s Mihalıççık district, marching toward Ankara to demand unpaid wages and compensation. On the ninth day of their march, police intervened, detaining 33 people including union leaders.

Following negotiations, authorities allowed a group of miners to be transported by police vehicles to the ministry building, while a smaller group was permitted to continue marching without disrupting traffic.

“We have not brought money home for 4.5 months”

Speaking outside the ministry, miners described severe financial hardship, saying they had gone 4.5 months without income.

“We have outstanding rights dating back to last year. This is a clear injustice,” one worker said.
“If a household goes without income for 4.5 months, what happens to that family?”

Workers stressed the dangerous nature of their jobs, saying:
“We go into the mines with our shrouds in our pockets. We paid the price for Türkiye’s energy supply. Now we face death underground and hunger above ground.”

They also accused authorities of ignoring repeated appeals, noting they had approached parliament and various institutions multiple times without resolution.

Police intervention and political reactions

The protest drew political attention, with lawmakers from multiple opposition parties expressing support.

CHP Ankara MPs Umut Akdoğan and Aylin Yaman, as well as DEM Party MPs Ferit Şenyaşar and Hüseyin Olan, joined the demonstration. CHP’s Akdoğan said he would request a meeting with Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar regarding the workers’ demands.

Ahmet Davutoğlu, leader of the Future Party, also voiced support and is expected to raise the issue in parliament.

Miners turn to silent protest

After launching the hunger strike, miners removed their shirts and sat on the ground, chanting:
“We are hungry, poor, and exposed.”

They later shifted to a silent protest, writing messages on their bodies in purple paint and using themselves as banners.

“Now we are even hungrier and more exposed. We shouted enough — now we are silent,” one message read.

Union leaders, including Independent Mine Workers Union head Gökay Çakır, joined the workers after being released from custody.

“They make us face death underground and bread anxiety above ground,” Çakır said.

Workers vow to continue until demands are met

Union representatives outlined key demands, including:

• Reinstatement of dismissed workers
• Resolution of unpaid leave cases
• Payment of severance and notice compensation
• Settlement of months-long unpaid wages

“We are here until victory,” Çakır said. “These workers will not leave without receiving their rights.”

Union lawyer Abdurrahim Demiryürek said the workers had staged more than 20 protests without success, accusing authorities of failing to act despite prior commitments.

Call for political intervention

Union leaders called on politicians to intervene directly with both government officials and company management.

“These workers have families. They are citizens. They keep Türkiye warm and lit,” Çakır said.
“This injustice must end.”

Source:  Cumhuriyet