The independent trade union of public servants ‘Article 78 of the Constitution’ says dismissals have begun at JSC ‘Georgian Railways,’ affecting hundreds of employees and potentially up to 1,000 people.
The organization, created to support civil servants dismissed after the start of large-scale protests in November 2024, says it will study the staff reduction process at the railway company and conduct a legal assessment.
“We believe that a decision of such a scale cannot be just an internal organizational issue,” the union stated. “This is a social issue that directly affects people, their families, and the stability of their lives.”
The union says any reorganization or reform should be based on transparency, justified criteria, and full protection of employees’ rights.
“Decisions that leave hundreds of people without jobs require not only economic arguments, but also a sense of high social responsibility,” the statement reads.
The organization appealed to dismissed employees to contact the union if they believe their labor rights were violated, adding that it will provide free legal advice and legal support if necessary.
Yesterday, May 6, Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze stated that 1,000 staff positions had been reduced at Georgian Railways over the past year, saving the company GEL 24 million annually.
“Against the background of the reduction of 1,000 staff units, management efficiency improved,” Kobakhidze said. “As a result of optimization, Georgian Railways saves 24 million GEL annually. This amount will be returned again and again to the development of the railway and will serve the development of our economy.”
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