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 said 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 alleged reason for the change in route was a mandatory check of the apparatus miners used 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, had not improved working conditions and had not fulfilled its obligations. (Agenda/Ukrainian metal)