The protest of 520 workers at Hattat Maden is on its 9th day: Salaries and bonuses have not been paid

The work stoppage, initiated by approximately 520 workers working at Hattat Maden in Bartın's Amasra district, demanding payment of their wages and bonuses, continues on its ninth day.

In the action carried out under the leadership of the Amasra Branch of the Turkish Maden-İş Union, workers stated that they had not received regular salaries for months and demanded the payment of their accumulated wages and bonuses.

'WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED A SALARY FOR TWO AND A HALF MONTHS'

A miner, who stated that he has been working at the enterprise for two and a half years, said that wages have not been paid regularly for a long time.

The miner said, "We constantly express these problems. We have not received a salary for the last two and a half months. We want this to end now."

Workers stated that the main reason for the action was the accumulated debts and their inability to meet the basic needs of their families.

'OUR ONLY CARE IS TO BRING BREAD TO OUR HOME'

Miners emphasized that they are ready to work again if their rights are paid.

A miner speaking on behalf of the workers said, "If we produce, our company and Turkey, everyone will win. Everyone knows this. We are trying to raise our voice a little bit. We want them to listen to our voice. We do not want to cause any discord or have any problems here. Our only concern is to bring bread to our home. We need to raise our voice a little to bring bread to our home."

'I CANNOT GIVE MY CHILDREN TUESDAY'

Soner Colonel, one of the workers, explained the economic difficulties he experienced with the following words: "There is no point in working if I cannot pay my family's allowance and if I cannot buy my wife's medicine. I want my rights."

Another miner, who stated that he had been working at the enterprise for about a year, said that they had not received a regular salary during this period and that their wages had not been paid for about two months.

The worker stated that they could only receive a 10-day daily wage for the third month and that they were unable to support their families due to financial difficulties.

'WE WANT OUR SALARIES, OUR JOBS, OUR LIVES BACK'

Miners stated that the demoralization of workers negatively affects the working environment and that this situation also creates a risk in terms of occupational safety.

A worker said, "We want our wages. We want our jobs back. We want our lives back. We want our livelihood back. There is nothing else we want. The mine is ours, the mine is ours. Our friends are ours. We will continue this protest until the end."

UNION: 520 WORKERS ARE VICTIMS

Turkish Maden-İş Union Amasra Branch President Emrah Açıkgöz said that the workers staged a work stoppage due to non-payment of wages and other receivables within the scope of Article 34 of the Labor Law.

Açıkgöz stated that 520 organized workers in the enterprise were victimized and that the workers were due to receive September salaries, October wages and bonuses that were due to be paid.

Açıkgöz stated that workers working in compulsory duties in terms of occupational safety continued their duties, while other employees quit their jobs.

'THE POT CANNOT BE BOILING IN PEOPLE'S HOMES'

Açıkgöz said that the miners were unable to meet their rent, electricity and natural gas bills and loan debts, and that even their children's school fees were not paid.

Açıkgöz said, "The pot is not boiling in people's homes, stones are boiling in the pot. Eliminate this grievance," and stated that paying a salary will not be enough to solve the problems of the workers.

'WE DON'T WANT ALMS, WE WANT OUR RIGHTS'

Stating that the miners last received their salaries in August, Açıkgöz said: