Striking ZCMC workers hint at pressure on coordination council members

Employees of Armenia’s Zangezur Copper Molybdenum Combine (ZCMC) continued the strike on Friday, insisting on the restoration of social justice.

"This is a labor strike aimed at restoring social justice," a striking worker announced at a large protest near the entrance of the enterprise in Armenia's Syunik Province. His remarks were met with applause and loud cheers.

The employee denied any political motives behind the protest.

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.

Today, the families of the strikers from Kajaran also joined the protest, and workers say they continue to receive widespread messages of support.

“The Armenian government hold a 22% stake in the ZCMC. This means every Armenian citizen is a stakeholder in the mine and has the right to voice their opinion on the matter,” one employee stated.

Another ZCMC worker highlighted that the strike is coordinated by a council, warning against pressure on its members.

"If anyone believes they can end the strike by neutralizing coordination council members or exerting pressure on them, I urge them not to waste their efforts," he said.