Çayırhan workers begin underground resistance against privatization

Miners opposing the privatization of the Çayırhan Thermal Power Plant and Mine in Nallıhan, Ankara, have locked themselves inside the mine two days before the tender. Having held various protests and kept watch at the plant and mine since November 2024, the workers have moved their resistance underground ahead of the tender scheduled for March 4.

The first group of 50 miners descended 800 meters underground to lock themselves in.

The Mining Workers' Union of Turkey shared a video message sent by the workers from the mine. Speaking on behalf of the workers before the action, Selim Arslan, Secretary of the Central Anatolia Branch of the Mining Workers' Union of Turkey, said, "We have decided to lock ourselves underground until a positive result is achieved. May it be auspicious for us all, hopefully."

The Mining Workers' Union of Turkey also shared a post regarding the action: "Saying 'may our struggle be blessed,' they locked themselves in the mine. With only a few days left until March 4, the Çayırhan workers have not given up the fight. Our branch secretary, Selim Aslan, who made a statement a short while ago, said, 'We will not leave the mine until the decision is reversed.' The 50 workers, who entered the most dangerous area of the mine with the highest gas concentration, called out to the authorities."

SUPPORT ARRIVES FROM MANSUR YAVAŞ

Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavaş also shared a message of support for the workers:

"Ignoring the voices of our miners who earn their bread with their sweat in Çayırhan is to disregard labor. Turning a deaf ear to the legitimate demands of our workers who earn their living by the sweat of their brow during the month of Ramadan does not fit with conscience. We emphasize once again that we stand with our miners, and we say: do not sacrifice labor to stubbornness!"

News Source : 12punto