Commenting on the coal mine disaster in Soma, Turkey, where over 200 miners are believed to have lost their lives, Bernadette Ségol, General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation, said:
“My heart goes out to the miners and their families. They have suffered a devastating loss of life. My thoughts are also with the efforts of the rescue and emergency services to save lives.”
She added “It is a sad fact that Turkey has a poor record of health and safety. This tragedy has brought death and appalling loss to the people of Soma, I can only hope it also brings about a change in attitude towards workers’ health, safety and rights in Turkey. It is a reminder to all of us of the dangerous tasks workers undertake on our behalf and of our duty to do all we can to reduce the risks.”
