Saqnakshiri LTD Responds to Miners' Protest in Tkibuli
Georgia's industrial group Saqnakshiri LTD has responded to the miners’ protest in Tkibuli, a mining town in west-central Georgia, Imereti region. As the statement of the industrial group reads, “Saqnakshiri” is currently facing financial problems, and the workers were also informed about the above. They also note that the company is actively consulting with the state to find a way out of the situation.
“As you know, the coal mining activities in Mindeli and Dzidziguri mines have been suspended since July 16, 2018, under the order of the Prime Minister. Currently, only ventilation and firefighting works are carried out in the mines due to safety reasons. However, despite the above, Saqhnakhshiri Company and the state have been continuously giving salaries to the staff during these 13 months.
At this stage, the company "Saqnakhshiri" faces the real financial problems, which was also known for those employed in Tkibuli. At the moment, the company is actively consulting with the state to jointly find a way out of the situation,” reads the statement.
Today, up to 15 workers went on strike in Tkibuli. The miners are on strike in the Mindeli and Dzidziguri mines, refusing to leave until they receive their current salaries.
The Georgian Trade Union reports that the miners should have received their salaries by September 15 yet, their employers left them without money and are unable to say when the salaries will be paid.
The Trade Union points out the grave social status of the workers, noting that they are unable to pay their bank loans and utility bills and calls on the Bank of Georgia, “Energo Pro Georgia” and “Socar Gas” to consider the current situation and not to aggravate the social conditions of the locals of Tkibuli.
In addition, the Trade Union also calls on the Government of Georgia to urgently accumulate funds to pay the salaries of Tkibuli miners and inform them about the plans of the government and the employer company related to the resumption of the coal mining process.
Related Story: Miners Strike in Tkibuli
By Ana Dumbadze