"Spetsstroy" workers in Chechnya complain of losing their paid vacations

A number of subdivisions of the organization "Spetsstroy" in Chechnya have partially suspended their work for lack of POLs (petroleum, oil and lubricants). The workers are forced to apply for indefinite-term non-paid vacations. This is reported by the workers, while their bosses prefer to refrain from comments.

A local resident, a "Spetsstroy" driver, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that since mid-August the drivers of freight Gazels and buses belonging to the enterprise practically have no work. "Initially we were told that the problem will be settled in a week or two, but now we see that it is far from being so," he said and added that last week drivers were invited to the office and told that all of them, except for KAMAZ truck drivers, should write applications about non-paid vacations.

"For three years I've been working without vacations; therefore, I asked my boss to give me at least the due paid vacation term for one year. But I was told that nobody will get any paid vacations, and that was allegedly the order of Director General of the 'Spetsstroy'. If I'm not happy, I was offered to apply for dismissal. Certainly, I was forced to agree to their terms, as finding other job is practically impossible," said the driver.

The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent failed to get any comments from "Spetsstroy" bosses.

One of local lawyers said in his comment that the refusal of the bosses to provide paid vacations to their workers is illegal.