Imbat Madencilik workers march to Ankara over unpaid wages

Thousands of employees from Imbat Madencilik, a coal mining company operating in the Eynez region of Soma, Manisa, have begun a march to Ankara to protest unpaid salaries and benefits. The workers, represented by the Aegean Branch of the Turkish Mine Workers Union, have reported not receiving regular wages or collective bargaining rights for over a year.

On the fourth day of the march, gendarmerie forces blocked approximately 70 miners at Kırkağaç Çamlığı. Workers reported being prevented from continuing their journey and faced difficulties securing transportation. During the standoff, miners expressed significant economic hardship, with some stating they are unable to provide basic necessities for their families.

Imbat Madencilik management issued a statement to employees claiming the company is facing a severe financial crisis. The company attributed the lack of funds to unpaid coal debts totaling 1.475 billion TL from Konya Şeker (TORKU), which operates the Soma B Thermal Power Plant. Management stated that company assets are mortgaged and no remaining financial resources exist to pay wages regularly.