Doruk Mining workers protest in Ankara: 'We will stay here until we receive every last penny owed to us'

The protest launched by Doruk Mining workers, who are members of the Turkish Mine Workers' Union affiliated with Türk-İş, continues in Ankara as they demand the payment of their outstanding wages from Yıldızlar SSS Holding.

Gathering on Sakarya Street, the miners chanted slogans such as "Those who look down on the miner will struggle to see the future," "We will win by resisting," and "Greetings to Ankara, the resistance continues." The workers carried signs reading "Keep the promises made to the miners" and "I want my 18 years of severance pay."

Stating that they are on the 24th day of their protest, Turkish Mine Workers' Union General Secretary Selim Arslan said that Central Anatolia Regional President Talih Kocabıyık would meet with company officials. Arslan noted that the process would continue based on the outcome of the meeting, adding, "We will continue our struggle in Ankara until not a single penny remains that is owed to us."

Recep Caymaz, one of the workers participating in the protest, said that there were delays in salary payments during his time at the company and that he had not received his severance pay despite leaving his job in April 2025. Caymaz stated that he was only able to receive his salary for the period up to 2025 a year later.

Another worker, Mustafa Bay, stated that although they won their court case in January, they were unable to collect their payments and had not achieved results through legal channels. Worker Sondoğan Pazarlı said he is owed 12 years of severance pay and that promises made regarding payment have not been fulfilled.

Pazarlı emphasized that 510 people are still suffering and that they will continue the protest until they receive their rights: "We are here until we get our last penny."