# Turkish miners' unpaid wages protests > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkish-mining-labor-unrest > Updated: 2026-08-05T06:19:00.000Z. Sources: 34. Developments: 12. The protest movement over unpaid wages at Doruk Madencilik has persisted into early August 2026. After ten days of sit‑ins in Ankara, Doruk Madencilik workers reported that only a portion of salaries had been received and that many of the roughly 580 employees were still awaiting severance and notice‑pay. Union officials warned they would begin a hunger strike next week if the outstanding amounts were not paid, urging company owner Erdinç Bey and the president to intervene. In parallel, employees of Gersan Elektrik staged demonstrations over delayed bonus payments and a reduction in a bank‑promotion rate that they say has worsened their financial situation amid high inflation. The promised July 2026 bonus, originally to be paid in three installments, was only partially delivered, and the promotion rate was lowered from 1.70 to 1.33 and then applied at 1.29. Workers also cited strict production monitoring and other working‑condition grievances. Both groups have joined earlier protests that began with a roof collapse in Zonguldak and spread to multiple mines, where miners have faced months‑old salary arrears, severance delays, and confrontations with police. The broader labor unrest continues to pressure the Ministry of Energy and the companies involved, with threats of further sit‑ins, hunger strikes, and marches if payments are not resolved. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-05: Turkish workers at Gersan Elektrik, Doruk Madencilik protest unpaid wages Turkish workers at Gersan Elektrik and Doruk Madencilik protest delayed wages and bonuses, with miners threatening a hunger strike over unpaid salaries. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkish-workers-at-gersan-elektrik-doruk-madencilik-protest-unpaid-wages ### 2026-08-03: Doruk Madencilik workers protest unpaid wages and severance in Turkey Doruk Madencilik workers in Turkey protest unpaid wages and severance, facing police block; the company acknowledges debts and says a payment plan is underway. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/doruk-madencilik-workers-march-to-turkish-parliament-over-unpaid-wages ### 2026-07-31: Turkish miners protest unpaid wages in Ankara Doruk Madencilik miners, backed by Turkish Mine Workers Union, are protesting in Ankara for five months of unpaid wages, with Türk‑İş promising support and warning of expanded action if demands are ignored. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkish-miners-protest-unpaid-wages-in-ankara ### 2026-07-29: Turkish miners protest over unpaid wages at Yıldızlar SSS Holding Turkish miners at Doruk Madencilik protest in Ankara demanding unpaid wages and severance from Yıldızlar SSS Holding, after a July 23 deadline passed; over 150 million lira owed to 580‑600 workers. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkish-miners-protest-over-unpaid-wages-at-yldzlar-sss-holding ### 2026-07-19: Yıldızlar Holding miners protest unpaid wages, threaten Ankara march Yıldızlar Holding miners in Elazığ demand unpaid wages and severance, threatening a 24 July march to Ankara if unresolved. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yldzlar-holding-miners-protest-unpaid-wages-threaten-ankara-march ### 2026-06-19: Turkish miners protest unpaid wages in Yozgat's Akdağmadeni district 150 miners in Akdağmadeni, Yozgat protested Yıldızlar Holding over four months of unpaid salaries and pending compensation, demanding immediate payment. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkish-miners-protest-unpaid-wages-in-yozgats-akdamadeni-district ### 2026-06-17: Mahmut Arıkan denounces unpaid wages for miners and teachers amid Turkish labor protests Mahmut Arıkan criticized delayed wages for miners and teachers, urged government action, and warned US‑Iran deals hinder regional stability. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mahmut-arkan-denounces-unpaid-wages-for-miners-and-teachers-amid-turkish-labor-protests ### 2026-06-14: Özşen Madencilik workers end 27‑day hunger strike after agreement in Edirne Özşen Madencilik miners in Edirne ended a 27‑day hunger strike after an agreement secured back‑wages, overtime and compensation, while reports of gunfire at workers sparked political criticism. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkish-miners-in-edirne-protest-face-gunfire-amid-hunger-strike ### 2026-06-13: Turkish miners' hunger strike spreads across three provinces Turkish miners in Edirne began a 25‑day underground hunger strike demanding unpaid wages, while simultaneous protests in Beypazarı and Giresun over months‑long salary arrears have escalated with baricades and a 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkish-miners-hunger-strike-spreads-across-three-provinces ### 2026-06-13: Turkish miners at Özşen site begin underground hunger strike, sparking protests and journalist investigation Workers at Özşen Madencilik in Edirne have entered a 1,200‑metre shaft for a hunger strike, demanding unpaid wages, better conditions and removal of abusive managers; a journalist covering the protest is now on 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkish-miners-begin-underground-hunger-strike-at-1200-meters-in-edirne ### 2026-06-13: Yildızlar SSS Holding mine workers in Giresun protest unpaid wages About 200 Nesko Mine workers in Giresun, Turkey, protested on 12 June after Yıldızlar SSS Holding failed to pay March wages, leaving them unable to meet rent, food and other basic needs. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yildzlar-sss-holding-mine-workers-in-giresun-protest-unpaid-wages ### 2026-06-02: Turkey mining sector sees fatal Zonguldak collapse and Tekirdağ workers' protest met with police violence A mine collapse in Zonguldak killed two workers and led to a trial of the owner, while in Tekirdağ miners protesting unpaid wages faced police slaps during a march. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-mining-sector-sees-fatal-zonguldak-collapse-and-tekirda-workers-protest-met-with-police-viole --- Cite as: Turkish miners' unpaid wages protests. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkish-mining-labor-unrest