April 24, 2026 – Tensions escalated in Ankara as striking miners from Doruk Madencilik staged a protest, prompting police intervention to block their march toward the Turkish Ministry of Energy.
The workers, who have been on a hunger strike for days, are demanding unpaid wages and recognition of their fundamental labor rights. As they attempted to march, police forces intervened using tear gas and physical barriers to stop their advance.
Exhausted from days without food, the miners reacted angrily. Many removed their shirts in protest, chanted slogans such as “We will win by resisting,” and slammed their helmets on the ground, expressing frustration over being blocked.
The situation intensified when several protesters lost consciousness. At least three miners collapsed and were transported to hospital by ambulance.
The Independent Miners’ Union strongly condemned the police response, calling attention to what it described as the treatment of workers. During the protest, miners attempted to break through police lines but were prevented from moving forward.
Union spokesperson Başaran Aksu warned that the protesters would remain in the capital until their demands are met, using harsh language to criticize authorities and calling for broader public support.
The miners say they have not been paid for months and are demanding back wages, bonuses, overtime compensation, restoration of union rights, improved workplace safety, and the rehiring of workers dismissed over union activities. They are also calling for the nationalization of the mine.
The protest movement began on April 13 in Eskişehir, with a nine-day march to Ankara, where the miners arrived on April 20. Workers claim conditions worsened after the mine, initially taken over by the state in 2016, was later transferred to private ownership in 2022.
