ZCMC workers plan new protest outside enterprise

Employees of the Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Combine (ZCMC) plan to hold another protest outside the enterprise on Monday as part of their ongoing strike for better wages and working conditions.

The ZCMC workers began the strike on 31 January. Their representatives and senior ZCMC executives failed to reach an agreement during the talks last week.

"The employer is using every possible means to suppress this labor revolt, which is aimed at achieving social justice. However, the tide is beginning to turn," Vahe Mkhitaryan, a member of the coordinating council, said in a social media post.

Mkhitaryan noted that they have met with a representative of the Human Rights Defender’s Office and are scheduled to hold talks with the president of the Confederation of Trade Unions and her deputies. Additionally, a National Assembly representative has proposed discussions aimed at finding a dignified solution to the issue.

He emphasized that today’s protest is crucial for reaffirming the workers' determination and commitment to securing a fair resolution to this labor dispute.

"We all understand that this situation primarily affects the workers, the state and social partnerships. As tou know, some of our colleagues have been dismissed. However, none of the coordinating council members has signed the dismissal orders and we all remain ZCMC employees," Mkhitaryan added.