Tbilisi Metro Staff May Go on Strike

The trade union of Tbilisi Metro employees, “Unity 2013”, announced they will go on strike from April 30 if their working conditions are not improved and salaries are not increased.

The “Unity 2013,” which unites around 250 people, released a statement on April 23, saying that despite the grave working conditions, their work is not duly appreciated.

They give the government one week for mediation and hope their demands will be met.

The collective dispute of “Unity 2013” started in March 2016, with the workers asking for improved labor and safety conditions in Tbilisi Metro. After they failed to win the case at court, the metro workers announced a large-scale strike.

The employees say during recent years the average salary increase in the country is 30%, claiming since 2013 their salaries have remained unchanged.

Moreover, metro drivers say their existing remuneration is inconsistent with environmental conditions, working cycle or the responsibilities they have to face every day.

On April 2, metro workers addressed the Minister of Labor, Health and Social Affairs, demanding the appointment of a mediator, which resulted in the mediation process. However, despite reaching agreement on several issues, the employees say nothing has changed for them yet.

By Thea Morrison