Georgia: Protests by miners, their families and the population of Chiatura
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- Created: Wednesday, 05 March 2025 23:30
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For months, the miners of the manganese mines in Chiatura, Georgia have been without work because the mining company closed the mines and locked out the miners. As every month, the wages, which have been reduced by 40%, were paid 13 days late. ‘The miners announced public talks despite heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. Many miners are either out of town on private business or trapped in the villages around Chiatura due to the snow. Nevertheless, many people came to the talks (about 500+). The talks quickly and spontaneously developed into a protest that will most likely not end in the near future,’ a colleague reported.
The miners want answers about what the government's plan was for Chiatura when they signed the document, and what their plan is now that the company (the mines) has not opened on the agreed date (1 March) and has not paid compensation on time for months....thank you for your email. The guys asked me to tell you how grateful they are that without your solidarity and support this would be much more difficult. They have informed the miners and locals about you at rallies, about our comradeship and international support, which was met with applause from the demonstrators. Today, on 4 March 25, the miners in Chiatura, together with their wives and the population, and together with people from all over the country, held a protest demonstration in which many students also took part. The schools had been closed especially for this purpose.
‘The mood is good, the miners have the full support of the city and the surrounding villages, the minibus drivers have agreed to transport people to the rally and back to the villages for free or for a minimal (petrol) price. The whole town is on its knees, no one can do anything anymore. People have had their electricity and gas cut off because companies are falling further and further behind with wage payments,’ our colleagues write to us. ’At the rally, demands were raised and adopted by vote of the militant residents of Chiatura who were present. These demands are unconditional and must be met by everyone without exception!’
We will report further on this.