(15 May 2014) The explosion and fires in the mine accident killed more than 282 workers, 13 May 2014. Several miners are trapped. The precise number is unknown but believed to be 120 or more. Rescue teams and emergency services are trying to reach them and have suffered injuries as well.
EPSU Deputy General Secretary Jan Willem Goudriaan stated: "Our hearts and minds are with the family, friends and colleagues of the miners that died in this tragic accident. Their loss is unbearable. We also think of the workers still in the mine, those that have suffered injuries and those that are working to reach the trapped miners to rescue them."
He adds: "Our solidarity also goes out to the mining community of Soma and our colleagues in the Turkish union movement. They will mark the tragic accident with a protest as Turkish government shows dismay and lack of ambition to address health and safety and tackle problems of outsourcing."
While the cause of the accident has to be determined more precisely and an independent investigation should get underway as soon as possible with full information to the unions, it is widely known that work place accidents are very common in Turkey. Lessons should be drawn from the accident. Improving workers' health and safety rights and a strengthening of the labour inspectorates and increased vigilance are steps the Turkish government could start.
For more information see the sites of the Turkish confederations:
- From KESK
- From DISK
- From Turk-Is
- From Hak-Is
Several Turkish EPSU affiliates also place a reaction on their webpages.