Turkish miners at Özşen site begin underground hunger strike, sparking protests and journalist investigation

On the 25th‑26th day of their protest, workers at the Özşen Madencilik mine in Uzunköprü, Edirne, entered a shaft about 1,200 metres deep and began a hunger strike to demand unpaid wages, overtime compensation and an end to abusive management. Union spokesperson Başaran Aksu said the underground protest entered its second day and that “communication was cut” after the miners sealed themselves in. The miners warned, “Ya öleceğiz ya da haklarımızı alacağız” (either we die or we get our rights).

The local mayor visited the site and listened to the workers’ demands, which include immediate payment of April and May salaries, a clear protocol with the Independent Mine Workers Union, a payment schedule for all debts by early July, and guaranteed monitoring rights for miners. The union added that workers will not return until managers who engage in mobbing are removed.

Halk TV journalist Umut Taştan entered the underground tunnel to interview the strikers and was subsequently placed under investigation, prompting the union to condemn the action as an attack on press freedom. No injuries have been reported, but the protest remains ongoing with the miners refusing to surface until their demands are met.