Workers from Doruk Madencilik, who have been marching for nine days to demand unpaid wages and compensation, faced police blockade and violence as they attempted to continue their protest in the capital.
During the crackdown, police attacked protestors with pepper spray and physical violence. 33 people were detained, including union officials and workers. Among those taken into custody were Bağımsız Maden-İş Organising Specialist Başaran Aksu and Union President Gökay Çakır.
The miners, who say they have gone months without pay, had planned to march from Ümitköy Metro station to the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources and later to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. Chanting “We want our labour, we want our bread,” they continued to press their demands despite the intervention.
“We are in custody because we asked for the wages we earned,” the workers said in a statement. “Even if you detain all of us, we will not leave Ankara until we secure our rights.”
Following negotiations, authorities allowed a limited group of 20 workers to proceed on foot, while others were transported by bus toward the Energy Ministry.
The dispute highlights long-standing grievances among the miners, who report years of irregular payments and unresolved compensation claims. The situation has reached a breaking point, with workers determined to continue their struggle until concrete steps are taken to address their demands.