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Striking Georgian workers win the struggle

27 June, 2013On 31 May a collective agreement was signed after an eleven-day strike at Zestafoni Ferroally plant in Georgia.

Workers at the Zestafoni Ferroalloy plant organized by the Trade Union of Metallurgy, Mining, and Chemical Industry Workers of Georgia won significant concessions after going on strike for eleven days.

The new collective agreement at Zestafoni plant provides guarantees for trade union activities. The wages increase by 10 per cent, and the agreement ensures wage adjustment according to inflation each year.

The collective agreement also stipulates compensation for the families of workers who die in a workplace accident or lose their ability to work. The specific amount of compensation would be determined in each case.

The employer also agreed to spend over US$20,000 per year on worker training programs and workshops for trade union members.

“The strike was successful due to the firmness and determination of workers, strong solidarity and heroism of trade union members,” said Tamaz Dolaberidze, president of the Trade Union of Metallurgy, Mining, and Chemical Industry Workers of Georgia.

Zestafoni Ferroalloy Plant employs 2,000 people. It belongs to Georgian Manganese LLC, a company owned by the British mining giant Stemcor.