ZCMC workers continue strike despite threats

Employees of Armenia’s Zangezur Copper Molybdenum Combine (ZCMC) continued the strike on Friday despite pressure and threats from the company’s management.

The ZCMC workers began the strike on 31 January to demand a 50% pay rise and better working conditions. Their representatives and senior ZCMC executives failed to reach an agreement during the talks held on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Vahe Mkhitaryan, one of the strike coordinators, reports that those on shift have refused to resume work and have left the enterprise premise.

"The mid-level executives are now at the enrichment plant, attempting to restart production operations with the threat of dismissals in an effort to suppress the labor revolt," he said in a video.

The strike coordination council has called on workers, along with their families and supporters, to gather at the ZCMC entrance at 1pm.

"Come join us! This is now a matter of dignity. No one can force us to resume operations through threats, dismissals, or any other form of pressure," Mkhitaryan added.