Chiatura Miners End Strike

Around 3000 workers of a manganese mine in Chiatura, Georgia, who went on strike on May 15, stopped protests after a meeting with the Economics, Healthcare and Education ministers late on May 27.

Georgian media reports that the protesters and their employer company, Georgian Manganese Holding (GMH), reached an agreement through the mediation of the three ministers, as a result of which, from June 1 the salaries of the miners will increase by 25% and during the year additionally by 10%.

The miners were initially demanding a 50% pay raise yet said later that they had agreed to a gradual raise.

On May 27, Akaki Gurjidze, Director of the Chiatura Mining Factory, resigned amid the large-scale protests.

In addition to the increased salaries, the miners asked for an improved life insurance package, the prohibition of heavy truck movement in the city and guarantees that the leadership of the company GMH will not carry out disciplinary measures against them after the strike is over.

The miners had their tents placed in front of the City Council building where they launched a hunger strike.

After the protests are over, the workers will return to their workplace.

By Thea Morrison

Photo source: RFE/RL

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