Doruk Madencilik workers protest unpaid wages and severance in Turkey

Workers employed by Doruk Madencilik, a subsidiary of Yıldızlar SSS Holding in Eskişehir, have been on strike for over nine days demanding payment of overdue salaries, severance and other entitlements. The employees, members of the Turkish Mine Workers Union (Türk Maden‑İş), gathered at Ulus Square and attempted to march to the Turkish Grand National Assembly. Police blocked the march, but families and supporters joined the protest at the Ankara train station.

Union leaders Talij Kocabıyık and Nurettin Akçul condemned the lack of payments, noting that about 580 workers remain unpaid and that the Ministry of Labour and Social Security has summoned a union committee for talks. The company, Doruk Madencilik A.Ş., issued a statement confirming the existence of the debts, saying a payment plan is being prepared based on financial capacity and a schedule, and that legal action will be taken against any unlawful disruption. The firm also clarified it no longer conducts underground mining, operating instead a 135 MW energy plant.

The protest continues with threats of a sit‑in and possible hunger strike if payments are not received, while authorities negotiate a resolution.