The employees of the Alaverdi Copper Works have started striking demanding the government to allow it to increase sulfur dioxide emissions.
Otherwise the fines, imposed by environment protection authorities, will make the company operation unprofitable.
Earlier the State Inspection on Environment Protection has fined the works for 380 million drams ($700 thousand) for the serious violation of environment legislation adopted in 2005.
The works was constructed in 1950s. Its modernization to the current standards is seen as difficult and ineffective. (Ukrainian metal)