The Republican Union of Employers of Armenia, emphasizing workers’ rights and their ability to voice grievances, has issued a statement expressing concern over an unauthorized strike organized by a group of employees at Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Combine (ZCMC). According to the Union, this action contradicts Article 74 of Armenia’s labor code, disrupting the normal operations of the country’s largest taxpayer.
The statement highlights that the unauthorized protest is harming the entire economic chain associated with ZCMC.
Furthermore, the Union warns that the strike is not in workers’ best interests. If declared illegal under Article 78 of the Labor Code, participants could be held jointly liable for damages under Article 82.
The Employers’ Union calls on striking employees to return to work, engage in constructive negotiations, seek compromises, and avoid obstructing the company’s operations. If no agreement is reached through dialogue, they are urged to initiate a legally sanctioned strike.
“Dear workers, unauthorized actions will harm thousands of people and inflict serious economic losses. We are deeply concerned about such arbitrary actions in one of the country’s largest enterprises, as this issue extends beyond ZCMC. It sets a precedent that could negatively impact the broader economy. Hundreds of businesses and thousands of employees are linked to ZCMC, and the unauthorized protest is disrupting the entire economic chain.”
Operations at ZCMC have been halted for five days.
According to the plant’s public relations head Arayik Margaryan, “All major production units are shut down, and there is no output. Naturally, this may have economic, security, and environmental consequences, which is our primary concern”.
When asked whether the company was taking steps to negotiate with striking employees to resolve the situation, Margaryan stated that the question should be directed to the trade union.
Vahe Mkhitaryan, a member of the strike coordinating council, also confirmed that ZCMC’s operations remained suspended. The open-pit mine, repair shops, ore crushing and transportation facilities are non-operational due to the strike.
The enrichment plant, which produces the final product, is also shut down. (PanARMENIAN)
