19 May 2004 10:22
Russia: More miners join hunger strike over wage arrears
The number of the miners on a hunger strike at the Yeniseyskaya mine [in Khakassia] has gone up to 164, RIA news
agency reports.
Several miners joined the protest action today. The people's health is seriously deteriorating. Even
doctors' calls on the people to end the hunger strike do not stop them. Two miners in a grave condition were taken
to hospital yesterday. Moreover, 12 were recommended that they should return home, ITAR-TASS said. It has been reported
that a medical centre will be opened in the next few hours at the mine administration where the protest action is being
staged, and each miner will be under observation.
The present action is the second largest in the last few months. It began early this week after the miners had failed
to receive the money promised them back in April. The company owes them on an average about R200,000 [next to 7,000
dollars] each. The miners say that they would continue the protest action until their legitimate demands are met in
full. Criminal proceedings have been instituted against the former director of the mine. He is being charged with the
deliberate non-payment of wages. A trial is to start on 25 May.
[NTV] |
RUSSIA IN FACTS
