May 19, 2014
It is with profound sadness and deep concern that the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers learned of the May 13 mining disaster in Soma, Turkey, and the extensive loss of life there. As of the date this is written, 301 workers have been reported killed, making this the worst mining disaster in Turkey’s history.
The Turkish labor union representing the mine workers, Genel Maden-Is, has called for suspension of mining work until all mines can be thoroughly inspected for safety issues. We extend to Genel Maden-Is our sympathies and hopes for improved conditions going forward.
As the situation unfolds, more will be learned about the cause of this horrific event, and hopefully any negligence or criminality that may have been involved will be dealt with appropriately.
Our hearts and prayers go out to the loved ones who have suffered the loss of family members and friends in this terrible tragedy. The agony of such losses will remain long after this story fades from world attention.
Mining, and coal mining in particular, carries with it an inherent danger to those who brave the underground working environment, with its potential for roof collapses, poisonous gases, explosions, and other risks. Miners fully understand these risks, and with courage face them daily to support their families and extract commodities that serve humanity.
It is up to those who own and operate mines world-wide, and to the officials whose responsibility it is to ensure the safety of miners through the application of best-available equipment, systems, processes and emergency response measures, to be the guardians of workers who place themselves in harm’s way.
America and other nations around the globe continue to endure mining disasters, but catastrophic events such as the one in Soma — with such a large loss of life — are a reminder that the burden of worker safety is always high and must be the first priority of all industries and all governments around the globe.
