‘Thousands’ of miners go on strike in Chiatura, 14 June 2023

... Protesters told OC Media that more than 3,000 workers were on strike, ten of whom began a hunger strike on Monday.

Their list of 24 demands includes increased pay, paid holidays and sick leave, better meals, switching to a more comprehensive health insurance plan, and improving the ecological situation in Chiatura, and that the mines fully reopen after work was limited in  January...

They have also accused the mining company, Georgian Manganese, of drastically increasing ore quotas for miners, which they say could put their lives at risk.

The manganese mines in Chiatura, by far the largest employer in the town, have frequently been hit by strikes and protests over the years, with questions raised over their safety record and damage done to the surrounding area, including people’s houses.

Georgian Manganese has blamed the limiting of shifts in the mines on a drop in the global demand for ferroalloys; in a statement on 9 June, they said they had not exported anything since the beginning of the year. They said they were forced to limit work in order to retain the employees and keep the company running, claiming they were losing money.

Since the strike began on 6 June, company representatives have met with the protesters several times without result. Several striking workers told OC Media that instead of making them an offer, the company ridiculed them.

Georgian Manganese told journalists on Monday that they were continuing ‘constructive’ negotiations with the workers. 

The protesters insist they will continue the strike until their demands are met.

Georgian Manganese did not respond to a request for comment on the workers’ claims...