Miners on 4th day of strike in western Georgia
Miners say that five of them were poisoned by gas that built up in the mine several days ago. Photo: 1tv.ge.
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About 200 miners have been on strike in Tkibuli, western Georgia since March 13, demanding better working conditions and the pay for missed days.
We refuse to work in the mine, as the conditions are incompatible with our health and lives,” say the miners.
Miners say that five of them were poisoned by gas that built up in the mine several days ago.
Miners say they have been asked to use the tunnel of Mindeli mine to reach their regular work site, which they say ‘takes too much time and effort.’
The tunnel is tricky to navigate, as it emits exhaust fumes from the entire shaft. We have to walk 4 km daily in this dangerous environment. Tragic cases may occur at any time,” say miners.
The miners say that the alleged reason for the change in route was a mandatory check of the apparatus miners use to descend into Dzidziguri mine.
Miners in Tkibuli were on strike also in late February, protesting temporary new working conditions. Back then, miners were also protesting using the tunnel of Mindeli mine to reach Dzidziguri mine.
They said that the new investor, Steel International Trade Company, has not improved working conditions and has not fulfilled its obligations.
Steel International Trade Company fully paid the salaries of miners formerly on strike demanding back pay, announced Georgian Economy Minister Natia Turnava on October 1, 2019.
Back then, the new owner of Tkibuli mines also took on the responsibility of creating a safe working environment for miners.
Miners in the western Georgian mining town of Tkibuli stopped their protest on September 26, as they were promised to be paid their salaries on September 30.
Miners were protesting the fact that they had not received one month salary from Saknakhshiri GIG, the former owner of mines.
The miners stated that the mines are “the only source of income” for many of the families in Tkibuli and demanded the government tell them whether the mines would reopen or not.
Work has been suspended in the Mindeli and Dzidziguri mines of Tkibuli since July 16, 2018 after a fatal explosion left four miners dead and six others injured.
The Georgian government invited German experts to study the situation in the mines and promised salaries and insurance coverage before the mines were reopened.
The conclusion of German consulting company DMT company uncovered safety violations in Tkibuli mines and Sakhshiri was given recommendations to eradicate the issues one year ago.
About 200 miners of the Dzidziguri mine went on strike in Tkibuli region of western Georgia earlier today after the employer demanded they use the tunnel of Mindeli mine to reach their regular work site, which they say ‘takes too much time and effort.’
The new owner of the Tkibuli mines, Steel International Trade Company, has fully paid the salaries of miners formerly on strike demanding back pay, announced Georgian Economy Minister Natia Turnava today.
Miners in the western Georgian mining town of Tkibuli have stopped their protest today as they have been promised to be paid their salaries on Monday, Georgian Minister of Economy Natia Turnava said yesterday after meeting with Saknakhshiri, a daughter company of Georgian Industrial Group (GIG) and miners.
Up to 30 miners went to the mine in Georgia’s western Tkibuli municipality and have plans to stay there until their employer gives them and others their salaries and the government decides on the fate of mines.
About one thousand miners in the Mindeli and Dzidziguri mines of Tkibuli have been on strike since yesterday, trade union representative Gaga Isakadze announced.
An agreement has been reached between Saknakhshiri GIG and Tkibuli miners, who will return to work tomorrow, said trade union representative Gaga Isakadze.