Batumi Port employees go on strike over working conditions
Employees of Batumi Port contractor company Batumi International Container Terminal have gone on strike complaining about their working conditions and demanding a salary increase. Photo: Eka Lortkipanidze/RFE/RL.
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Employees of Batumi Port contractor company Batumi International Container Terminal have gone on strike complaining about their working conditions and demanding a salary increase.
Crane operator Nugzar Kirtkitadze, who has worked at the Batumi International Container Terminal since 2008, told RFE/RL that he often has to work non-stop for five nights.
Employees of the terminal told RFE/RL that their salary is 1,200 GEL (about $389). Their main demand is to be paid overtime compensation.
Chairman of the Batumi Port Trade Union Amiran Mikeladze said that negotiations with the employer company have been ongoing since March, but no changes have been made.
Chairman Mikeladze also said the company was inspected by the Labor Inspectorate and several violations were recorded.
The management of Batumi International Container Terminal has not yet responded to the strike.
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