Workers Seize a Mine and Resist the Police Assault in Turkey

Featured image: Miners attacked by anti-riot police at the entrance of the mine. Source: Yeni Demokrasi.

The workers at Polyak Mining, operating in the Kınık district of Izmir have been protesting against unpaid wages, precarious working conditions, and rights violations since February 20^th.

On 25^th of February, after five days of protests, they decided to organize a march, led by the Independent Mining Workers’ Union. The demands by the workers were:

– Full payment of the unpaid wages.

– Payment of bonuses for the workers.

– Ensuring employee rights and job security.

Additionally the workers demanded that the Chinese company Qitaihe leave Kınık. The workers stated that the transfer of ownership from Fiba Group, a subsidiary of Özyeğinler, to the Chinese company Qitaihe was fraudulent and that their rights were also violated as a result of this transfer. The workers, who gave a deadline of Monday, March 2^nd, and announced that if this transfer was not canceled by the deadline, they would seize the mine and operate it themselves with a management they would form among themselves. After this announcement, the Independent Mining Workers’ Union leaders were detained.

Immediately after knowing about these unjust detentions, villagers and workers went to the police station to protest and demand the release of the detained. The workers also protested against the role of the Turkish State, which, as they explain, “has come to protect the boss, to prevent us from getting our rights! We have dedicated 13 years of our lives here for our livelihood.” They made very clear their struggling determination, by seizing the mine and stating: “Half of us have locked ourselves inside the mine. The other half are waiting in front of the gate blocked by hundreds of gendarmes and water cannons. The Chinese boss has until 3 PM. Transfer your shares and leave Kınık!”.

On the 2^nd of March the miners resisted at the entrance of the mine and the police forces charged with water cannons, pepper spray and batons against the workers, showing once more which interests defend the State: