Turkish miners lock themselves underground to protest privatization

Duvar English

Miners protesting the privatization of the Çayırhan Thermal Power Plant and Mine in the Turkish capital Ankara on March 2 locked themselves inside the mine two days before the tender.

The workers had staged various actions and maintained vigils at the plant and mine against privatization since November 2024. Before the tender scheduled for March 4, they moved their resistance underground.

The first group of 50 miners descended 800 meters below ground to lock themselves inside the mine.

The Turkish Mine Workers' Union shared a video message sent from the miners inside the mine.

Speaking on behalf of the workers before the action, Selim Arslan, the secretary of the Central Anatolia Branch of the Turkish Mine Workers' Union, said, "We have decided to lock ourselves underground until a good result is achieved. May it be good for all of us."

The union also shared a post about the protest, stating, "They said, 'May our struggle be blessed' and locked themselves inside the mine. With just days left until March 4, the Çayırhan workers have not given up the fight. Fifty workers who entered the most dangerous and gas-concentrated area of the mine called out to the authorities."

Ankara Metropolitan Mayor Mansur Yavaş also shared a message of support for the workers: "Ignoring the voices of miners in Çayırhan who earn their bread with sweat is disregarding labor itself. In the month of Ramadan, turning a deaf ear to the rightful demands of workers who make a living through hard work does not fit with conscience. We once again emphasize that we stand with our miners and say, 'Do not sacrifice labor to stubbornness!'"

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