Industrial strike in the port of Batumi: workers come out against reduction

The workers of the Batumi Sea Port, Adjara  went  on industrial strike against reduction which started following the reorganization of  the enterprise. Also  the employees complaint  about the low wages and breaches in occupational health and safety.

“The Port Administration ignores the union requirements  and  refuses to meet with the union representatives  in order to settle the dispute in a quiet manner. The  staff reduction began with the  retirees. Currently 25 workers were forced to apply a resignation notice, but 39 refused to do that. According to the law they have a right to continue the work  and they do not obliged to retire  on pension”, said Merab Chijavadze, ITF inspector in Batumi. Primarily under the threat of  wage  delays, the workers who refuse to leave their workplace  feel the pressure. As a result some workers went on a hunger strike and almost 300 men  took part in a support action. When  the  port workers didn't get a reply to their lawful claims, they  called for the director resignation.

“The International Transport Workers' Federation is prepared to support the protesters in full”, Chijavadze points out. The Seafarers' Union of Russia expresses solidarity with  the workers of the Batumi Port and supports their  decision  to make  a stand for  their labour and social rights. The such cases should never  be hushed up and we have  to fight with it using all lawful means. Mass media and the fraternal unions will always support a rightful cause.