28.04.2026 22:20
While the protests of mine workers in Ankara ended with an agreement, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, speaking after the process, delivered a clear message to the sector. Emphasizing that workers' rights are a red line, Bayraktar announced that licenses will not be granted to companies that fail to fulfill their obligations and owe money to their employees.
The protests of mine workers that have been ongoing for days in Ankara concluded with an agreement following negotiations with the Ministry of Interior. While the workers ended their protests, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar, who made a statement about the process, gave notable messages.
“NO LICENSE FOR THOSE WHO FAIL TO FULFILL OBLIGATIONS”
Speaking at a meeting with journalists, Minister Bayraktar took a clear stance against companies that do not fulfill their obligations. Emphasizing that no licenses will be granted to businesses that do not comply with the rules in mining areas, Bayraktar stated that there would be no compromise on this issue.
“NO SUPPORT FOR THOSE WHO OWE WAGES TO WORKERS”
Bayraktar also touched on the incentives and purchase guarantees provided to coal mines, stating that the system is worker-oriented. However, he openly declared that no support will be given to companies that do not pay their workers' salaries.
He expressed his reaction with the words: “A company that owes wages to workers will not receive this guarantee. I also will not grant a license to such a company.”
INCENTIVES ARE CONDITIONAL
Minister Bayraktar stated that the incentives provided are subject to specific criteria. He indicated that businesses that do not meet environmental standards, owe money to the state, or violate workers' rights are excluded from the system.
ENERGY DEMAND IS INCREASING
Drawing attention to Turkey's growing economy and increasing population, Bayraktar noted that energy demand will rise further in the coming period. Therefore, he emphasized that the sector needs to become more disciplined in terms of both production and working conditions.