Workers of SUE "Ingushautotrans" go on strike

In Ingushetia, employees of the largest and the only state-own motor transportation enterprise of the republic - State Unitary Enterprise (SUE) "Ingushautotrans" are on strike. It was announced because of salary debts.

Abuyazid Aushev, Director of the "Ingushautotrans", confirmed the fact of operation suspension. According to his version, now the enterprise's indebtedness to its employees makes about 8 million roubles.

"We've agreed with the regional government that the debts will be paid out before August 20, and since May 21 the action should stop," said Mr Aushev.

In his turn, one of the strikers said that all the employees - about 700 persons - stopped their work. According to his version, the enterprise transports some 5000 passengers both domestically and to neighbouring regions. The source asserted that private vehicle owners had joined the action in solidarity.

As reported by one of local residents, on May 20 taxi prices in the region at least doubled. "There were no fixed-route taxis and buses; thus, while I usually got from Ordzhonikidzevskaya village to Nazran for 50 roubles by a fixed-route taxi, today I had to pay 1000 roubles for a taxi at the usual tariff of 600 roubles," the "Gazeta.Ru" quotes him.

The "Kommersant" newspaper adds that Zhanna Almazova, press secretary of the government of Ingushetia, said that she knows about the protest action but refrained from any further comments.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that in April in Ingushetia employees of the GTRK (State TV and Radio Company) "Ingushetia" went on strike because of delays with salary. After they received the debts, they refused to return to work saying that their salaries were low. The scandal was eliminated after personal interference of President Evkurov.