Turkish miners protest over unpaid wages at Yıldızlar SSS Holding

Workers of Doruk Madencilik, a subsidiary of Yıldızlar SSS Holding, have continued a sit‑in protest in front of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources in Ankara demanding overdue salaries and severance pay. A protocol signed on 16 June 2026 promised payment of the owed amounts by 23 July, but no payments have been made. The union, Turkey Maden İşçileri Sendikası, says about 580‑600 miners are owed more than 150 million lira in severance and regular wages, and a worker fell ill and was taken to hospital during the demonstration.

Holding executives have offered to use proceeds from the sale of a milk‑factory in Balıkesir and other real‑estate assets to cover the debts, but union leader Talih Kocabıyık rejected the proposal, insisting on direct payment into the workers’ accounts. The miners pledged to remain in Ankara until the promised sums are transferred, warning of intensified actions if the deadline passes.