ZCMC threatens involuntary leave for protesting employees

The Zangezur Copper Molybdenum Combine (ZCMC) and its labor union on Saturday issued a joint statement following a strike by more than 700 ZCMC employees.

ZCMC called the protest “illegal” and threated to place the striking employees on involuntary leave.

“The ZCMC labor union does not consider the actions in question a strike and does not support them, labeling them illegal,” the company said.

"Due to employees' illegal actions, the company's production cycle has been disrupted, resulting in substantial financial losses for the company and its remaining staff. If the illegal actions persist, the company will be forced to place a significant number of employees on involuntary leave.

“Given the above and in the best interest of ZCMC and the vast majority of its employees, the company will exercise its right to take disciplinary action against the violators in accordance with Chapter 21 of Armenia’s Labor Code," reads the statement.