Mahmut Arıkan denounces unpaid wages for miners and teachers amid Turkish labor protests

Saadet Party leader Mahmut Arıkan addressed the ongoing strike of Özşen Madencilik miners in Edirne’s Uzunköprü district, questioning why workers’ rights are only recognised when ministers intervene. He asked, “Is a walk required for every claim? Will a hunger strike be needed for every salary?”

Arıkan also condemned the harsh response to special‑sector teachers protesting unpaid wages, urging authorities to listen before taking action. He emphasized that labour and teaching work are public services that should not be treated as private‑sector grievances.

He pledged solidarity with the striking miners, teachers, interview‑victim educators and retirees, asserting that workers’ rights cannot be hidden within bankruptcy proceedings. In the same remarks he criticized the US‑Iran agreement, warning that imperialist and external pressures prevent a lasting regional order.