The third anniversary of the Soma mine disaster that killed 301 workers, was particularly sombre this year as it coincided with Mothers’ Day. The authorities banned a planned rally and commemoration by support organisations and deemed that only a commemoration at the cemetery was appropriate. While some compensation has been paid to miners’ families, the owners of the mine are still to face justice. The situation for workers remains dire in Turkey, with many dismissed workers resorting to extreme measures like undertaking a hunger strike to win back their rights.
The third anniversary of the Soma mine disaster that killed 301 workers, was particularly sombre this year as it coincided with Mothers’ Day. The authorities banned a planned rally and commemoration by support organisations and deemed that only a commemoration at the cemetery was appropriate. While some compensation has been paid to miners’ families, the owners of the mine are still to face justice. The situation for workers remains dire in Turkey, with many dismissed workers resorting to extreme measures like undertaking a hunger strike to win back their rights.
