Breaking News... Workers attempted to march to the ministry: Police intervene against miners with pepper spray! 2 people detained

Doruk Madencilik workers, who have been continuing their hunger strike in Ankara, attempted to march to the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. A scuffle broke out between the workers, who were met with a police blockade, and security forces. Independent Mining Union (Bağımsız Maden İş) President Gökay Çakır and Organizing Specialist Başaran Aksu were detained.

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Doruk Madencilik workers, who walked from Eskişehir to Ankara on April 13, are continuing the hunger strike they initiated for their demands. The workers, currently at Kurtuluş Park in the capital, are continuing their struggle on the 16th day of their protest and the 8th day of their hunger strike.

The workers on hunger strike prepared to march from Kurtuluş Park to the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources at 12:00.

Extensive security measures were taken around the park before the march. While numerous police teams were dispatched to the area, detention vehicles were also deployed around the park.

Police teams blockaded the area, refusing to allow the miners to leave the park. The workers, who have been on hunger strike for days, took off their outer clothing to show their reaction.

The union also called for support for the march via social media: "On the 8th day of our hunger strike, we are setting out from Kurtuluş Park at 12:00 to march to the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. We invite all friends of labor to stand with the miners."

The miners attempted to advance toward the ministry but were met with a police barricade. A brief scuffle occurred when they attempted to break through the barricade. Police teams prevented the miners from marching toward the ministry.

CALL TO ANKARA RESIDENTS FROM BAŞARAN AKSU

Independent Mining Union Organizing Specialist Başaran Aksu stated, "We want to solve this problem today. We cannot wait for tomorrow or the next day. If we are detained, we invite all Ankara residents to gather in front of Yıldızlar Holding tomorrow at 17:00. Let them protest on our behalf."

2 PEOPLE DETAINED

In the scuffle that broke out following the police's intervention with pepper spray, Independent Mining Union President Gökay Çakır and Organizing Specialist Başaran Aksu were detained.

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WHAT ARE THE WORKERS' DEMANDS?

Doruk Madencilik workers list their demands, including payments dating back to before the transfer to the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF), as follows:

• Payment of unpaid wages, bonuses, annual leave, and union rights,

• Payment of severance pay to all workers dismissed before and after the TMSF transfer, regardless of whether they filed a lawsuit,

• Abolition of the unpaid leave practice applied to employees against their will,

• Provision of a working environment in compliance with occupational health and safety rules,

• Reinstatement of workers dismissed due to union activities,

• Nationalization of the mine and guaranteeing job security.