Trade unions point to legality of miners' strike in Tkibuli

At the Mindeli Mine located in the city of Tkibuli, about 200 miners continue their protest action demanding a fixed increase in wages; the miners were supported by their trade union; however, the “Saknakhshiri” Mining Company treats the strike as illegal.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on July 3 Mindeli miners went on strike, demanding an increase in their wages by 300 laris due to increased foodstuff prices.

About 200 miners take part in the strike. "We just want our work to be duly evaluated ... We ask to support us," the “News-Georgia” quotes one of the strikers as saying.

Amid the strike, a sitting of the “Saknakhshiri” Company's advisory council took place, at which, according to the Company, the strike as a form of protest was not approved. "For the council and its members, not the requirements are unacceptable, but the way these requirements are expressed. For us, it is acceptable to resolve any problems and disputes through the talks, at the negotiating table," said Mikhail Sotsky, the chairman of the board of directors of the Company.

A trade union representative who attended the sitting of the advisory council left it and refused to sign the drawn-up protocol, said Tamaz Dolaberidze, the chairman of the Metallurgical and Mining Workers' Union. According to his story, the miners' protest is legitimate, as it was preceded by failed attempts to reach an agreement between the company and its employees through negotiations.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on July 4, 2021 at 09:00 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.