Protest of Metallurgists from Rustavi

Manon Bokuchava, Kvemo Kartli

Last week, Rustavi based metallurgist factory JSC Georgian Steel was urgent topic for Georgian media. About 200 metallurgists gathered in front of the administrative building of the factory and requested improvement of labor conditions. Their first request was timely distribution of salaries and cancel shifting to eight-hour working regime. Metallurgists also requested new labor contracts with the employer which will clearly prescribe date and form of reimbursement of their holidays. Besides that, they requested proper medical assistance in case of labor traumas. Part of protesters said sometimes medical centers refuse to serve them and request to come in 2-3 days.

“We have several problems and requirements but improvement of labor conditions and timely distribution of salaries are our top requests. People cannot wait for their salaries because we have to pay debts and communal bills. Our second request is to stop shifting to eight-hour working regime,” said metallurgist Roland Kiladze.

Representative of the United Trade Unions Lavrenti Alania also joined protesters to support metallurgists. He met manager of the enterprise Parukh Sadik together with the protest organizers. Having left the negotiations, Alania said the management will consider 10% increase in salaries.

“They said they cannot increase your salaries at 20% as you requested. Also, he said if you move to eight-hour working regime, the enterprise will provide you with transportation,” Alania told protesters.

The manager suggested the metallurgists to return to working places and said they could not increase salaries unless they stop working. Also, he said the administration has already made final decision on eight-hour working regime because it is impossible to make a metallurgist to properly work with burning stoves during 12 hours.

Finally, the protesters went home. They were promised that shifting process to eight-hour work will be cancelled for some time and that they will timely receive salaries. “We expect you will discuss our other requests too regarding holidays, increase in salaries and proper medical aid. We also request relevant compensations in case of labor traumas. Unless our requirements are satisfied, we will continue protest,” the metallurgists explained to the manager.

The metallurgists working in different workshops request to immediately increase the salaries of steel-workers because their work is dangerous for health. The metallurgists said their salaries have not been relevant to their work for a long time already and it should be improved.