Miners in Tkibuli Again on Strike

Mari Tabidze, Tkibuli

Miners of Tkibuli Ltd “Saknakhshiri” [Georgian Coal] refuse to continue work. They request resignation of the director-general, improved working conditions, increased salaries and annulment of the current decree on the closure of Dzidziguri Mine.

On November 15, administration of the Ltd Saknakhshiri satisfied three main requests of the miners from Zaal Mindeli Mine. Tkibuli district majoritarian MP Eliso Chapidze was actively involved in this process; she negotiated with the Saknakhshiri administration in the name of miners.

On the same day, it was officially announced that executive director of the Saknakhshiri Ltd Lev Stroyakovski was resigned from the position. Local representatives promised miners Dzidziguri Mine will continue working. Miners had information that if the mine closed up about 300 workers will get unemployed.

Saknakhshiri’s representatives met miners together with MP Eliso Chapidze. They promised the mine will not be closed and miners will not lose jobs. Miners requested administration members to give them written form of promise and the administration agreed.

Having left the negotiation, MP Eliso Chapidze suggested miners to renew working. “If miners do not continue working, their behavior will be evaluated as a sabotage, which is inspired by coordinators of the National Movement,” said MP from Tkibuli.

On November 20, workers of Dzidziguri Mine again went on strike in Tkibuli. That morning they learned that Saknakhshiri’s administration intended to dismantle mine in some section for security means.

Although this information has not been officially confirmed yet, miners categorically protest expected deconstruction. They said this section of the mine does not need deconstruction and is completely safe to work here. Miners said it is motive to make closure of the mine easier.

Currently, 42 people are in the mine. They are not going to get out of the tunnel and stop protest till their demand is satisfied and relevant document is issued which will guarantee that mine will not be closed.