UPDATED: agreement reached between Saknakhshiri, Tkibuli miners. Working conditions, salaries to improve
About one thousand miners in the Mindeli and Dzidziguri mines of Tkibuli have been on strike since June 10 demanding income tax returns from the salaries they have been paid during the period of the coronavirus pandemic. Photo: IPN.
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Updated: 14:55
An agreement has been reached between Saknakhshiri GIG and Tkibuli miners, who will return to work tomorrow, said trade union representative Gaga Isakadze.
Based on the agreement, working conditions will be improved. Starting August 27 mines will have new equipment, and employees will receive training to operate the new additions to the mines. In addition, miners’s salaries will be increased.
Earlier: 13:10
Saknakhshiri GIG refuses to increase the salaries of miners amid their protests in Tkibuli, west Georgia, saying that work is not being done systematically, the extraction of coal is reduced and thus the company is financially struggling.
The company said miners’ ‘destructive behavior’ was negatively affecting the development of the Mindeli mine.
During the pandemic (observing safety recommendations), the company did not stop working and despite very low extractions, salaries were not reduced and were paid on time,” said the company.
Saknakshiri added that salaries of miners have been indexed considering the annual inflation rate of 2019.
As for working conditions, the company says that the special commission of the Technical and Construction Supervision Agency has checked the crane machine of a work tunnel in the Mindeli mine and said that using the machine is allowed although existing flaws should be repaired.
The commission started inspecting Mindeli mine on June 10. The reason was the violation of safety rules by employees. On June 9, miners tried to get out from the mine earlier than usual… [By this time the crane machine has not been checked yet and could not be used as it should be checked before each use]…The lift [which was used by employees to get out of the mine] got stuck…Miners got out of the lift safely. The lift was repaired on that day [after the incident],” said the company.
About one thousand miners in the Mindeli and Dzidziguri mines of Tkibuli have been on strike since June 10 demanding income tax returns from the salaries they have been paid during the period of the coronavirus pandemic.
Moreover, they demand their salaries be increased and safe working conditions be provided by the company.