Up to 350 workers of the Borjomi Mineral Water Bottling Factories No 1 and 2, who went on strike yesterday, May 18, continue to protest.
Acting Mayor of Borjomi Davit Zaalishvili arrived at the rally being held outside the factory and announced a meeting with the employer, which is expected to take place during the day.
Earlier, the employer company ‘IDS Borjomi Georgia’ released a statement regarding the strike of its employees, saying that even during the pandemic, 100% of the employees were retained and the salary fund was increased by 10%. However, the company added, while they are ready to consider increasing salaries again, the demand of the striking employees is a 50% increase, which is why no agreement can be reached.
The operation of both factories is suspended at this time.
Workers are demanding higher salaries and better working conditions. Police are mobilized outside the Borjomi factory to prevent any incidents.
The protesters claim that their salaries were reduced by 200-250 GEL during one year. Further, they could not take a break due to lack of staff and were paid only a small amount for overtime work.
The organizer of the strike is the Trade Union of Agriculture, Trade and Industry, which fully shares the strikers’ demands and complaints.
By Ana Dumbadze
Image Source: Youth Movement of Trade Union/ Giorgi Diasamidze
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