RUSSIA: MINERS HUNGER STRIKING FOR BACK PAY IN SIBERIA...
More than 150 miners in the Republic of Khakasia have been on a hunger strike for eight days, seeking nearly 7
million rubles ($234,000) in back wages, newsru.com and other Russian media reported on 24 May. Strana.ru reported that
176 miners, including 49 women, started the strike on 17 May. Republican Industry Committee Chairman Vladimir Molchanov
said on 24 May that seven miners have been hospitalized so far and that a further 15 are in poor condition and could be
hospitalized "at any moment." Interfax reported that the strike is particularly dangerous because workers who
are responsible for pumping ground water out of the mineshaft are also striking, which could lead to collapses within
the mine and threaten nearby settlements. Two miners union leaders, Aleksandr Atyukov and Aleksandr Voitin, flew to
Moscow on 24 May to discuss the situation with State Duma deputies, strana.ru reported. RC Copyright (c) 2004. RFE/RL,
Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
|
RUSSIA IN FACTS
