16.06.2026 10:12
In the Uzunköprü district of Edirne, the 27-day resistance launched by Özşen Madencilik workers against unpaid wages, overtime, and layoffs ended with an agreement. Following the mediation by the Edirne Governorship, workers who had been on hunger strike underground ended their action and emerged to the surface. The Independent Mine Workers' Union described the struggle as a 'victory'.
Workers affiliated with the Independent Mine-İş Union, who started a struggle against unpaid wages, overtime, and layoffs at Özşen Mining, part of the Kiremitçiler Group in the Uzunköprü district of Edirne, ended their 27-day-long resistance with a victory.
A compromise was reached after negotiations mediated by the Edirne Governorate between the employer and the workers. Consequently, the workers who had been on a hunger strike at the mine ended their protest.
MINERS EMERGE TO APPLAUSE
After the announcement of the agreement, the workers who had been on a hunger strike underground emerged to applause and slogans. Footage of the moment was shared by the union.
The Independent Mine-İş Union stated in a press release, "On the 27th day of our Özşen Mine resistance, our struggle ended in victory. We safely retrieved our miner friends who were on a hunger strike underground. This victory is the victory of miners who stood up for their livelihood, dignity, and future." The union also announced that the details of the gains would be shared with the public at a celebration to be organized.
SUPPORT MESSAGE FROM ERKAN BAŞ
Chairman of the Workers' Party of Turkey, Erkan Baş, also made a statement on his social media account following the development. Baş noted that the determined struggle of the Özşen Mining workers ended successfully and thanked everyone who supported the resistance.
In his statement, Baş also highlighted the anniversary of the Great Worker Resistance of June 15-16, saying, "United workers are invincible."