Miners have gone on strike in Chiatura, a mining town in the Imereti region of western Georgia.
The employees of the “Georgian Manganese” mines in Chiatura are protesting for the fifth day, demanding improvement in their working conditions. Yesterday, June 11, they met with the company’s representatives, however, no agreement was reached at the meeting.
The acting president of the trade union claimed that the company had not offered new conditions for the employees.
“The employer introduced the conditions according to which he offered 8-hour shifts again, which is unacceptable for the employees. An agreement could not be reached at this meeting,” he stated.
In turn, Georgian Manganese says that “constructive dialogue” with the employees regarding the issue continues.
“Another negotiation was held yesterday, the company introduced conditions which are not acceptable to all the employees. Accordingly, the negotiations are ongoing,” the company explained.
The reason for the miners’ protest is the change in the work schedule introduced by Georgian Manganese in February. The protestors are also demanding decent compensation. Trade unions say that the employees demand to be paid according to the tons of extracted raw materials.
In addition, the workers in the Chiatura mine demand: protection of labor safety, change of equipment, ventilation of the trenches, change of insurance company, cancellation of pension savings, use of vacations, and settlement of the ecological issues facing the city.
Image source: Netgazeti
