Human rights defenders criticize Georgian company for reducing miners' wages

A decision of the "Georgian Manganese" Company to cut by 40% the wages of workers earlier employed at the mines which are now closed contradicts the Labour Code, the "Human Rights Education and Monitoring Centre" (EMC) and the "Georgian Young Lawyers' Association" (GYLA) declare. The human rights defenders have called on the authorities to assess the damage caused by the "Georgian Manganese" Company to environment and to residents of the Chiatura District of Georgia.

On February 17, most manganese ore mines explored by the "Georgian Manganese" Company were suspended as a result of a protest action held by residents of the Shukruti village. The protestors seek compensation from the "Georgian Manganese" Company for their damaged houses.

The operation of the mines was not resumed, not only because of the protests, but also because of the financial problems of the "Georgian Manganese" Company. In the period from March 1 to March 20, workers will be paid only 60% of their usual compensation, the "Georgian Manganese" Company reports on Facebook.

The company should "pay workers their full wages during the forced shutdown of the mines," state NGOs "Human Rights Education and Monitoring Centre" (EMC) and the "Georgian Young Lawyers' Association" (GYLA). The human rights defenders have also expressed their concern over the environmental situation.