Over 100 independent Maden-İş miners detained at metro exit

Quick summary

Over 100 workers from two mining companies in Elazığ were detained at a metro exit as they attempted to march to the Ministry. A salary installment due on 6 August was not paid, and severance payments for Doruk Madencilik workers remain outstanding.

Why it matters

Miners have been unable to collect their accumulated wages for months, cutting off workers' income sources. Promises made by Ministry officials have not been kept, creating economic instability in the workers' region and exemplifying restrictions on the right to peaceful protest.

Key takeaways

• ›Deputy Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Abdullah Tancan had previously promised: 'If any outstanding wages remain by July, the state will intervene.' That commitment has not been fulfilled.
• ›The first installment payment under the schedule for Elazığ Eti Gümüş workers, due Thursday August 6, was not made.
• ›Notice pay owed to Doruk Mining workers also remains unpaid.
• ›Workers had marched to Ankara the previous year; the company has prolonged the process each time with new payment deadline proposals.