Workers at the Spaç copper mine escalated their protest on Monday, blocking the entrance of the Turkish concession company “Tete Albania” and boycotting work for the fifth consecutive day. About 70 miners gathered in the early hours of the morning on the street and then clashed with police, who escorted two of the protesting miners.
The miners are demanding recognition of the union they created and the signing of a collective agreement, which they say would guarantee fair wages and safe working conditions. “They have disappointed me with the salary and the conditions. Within the law and the constitution, we want working conditions,” said Përparim Simoni, a protesting miner. Simoni said they were seeking justice in the workplace. “I have been working underground for many years and I cannot risk my life for 20-30 thousand old lek a day. We created the union in August and they do not recognize us and do not accept to sit down for talks at all,” he says.
The miners say they will not back down from the demands made to the company. "The wages are low, it's a shame for anyone to hear it. There is no chance of backing down until our rights, which we have presented in writing, are met," said miner Fran Nikolli, warning of continued protests.
The Confederation of Trade Unions of Albania (KSSH) came out in support of the workers. Chairman Kol Nikollaj called the company’s behavior a “mockery” of employees, emphasizing that the right to collective organization and strike is protected by law and international conventions. “Miners, your strength is unity. You are the sons of the earth, those who extract wealth from the underground, but who are often treated unfairly in the light of day. Today you are not just speaking for yourselves, but for every worker in this country,” said Nikollaj.
On the other hand, the company "Tete Albania", through its General Director Cem Koray Vagci, stated that it is not against dialogue, but does not recognize Kol Nikollaj as a representative and that the union with which the miners are adhering "does not meet the legal criteria".
"We are open to talks with the miners and we have informed them of this, but the union with which they are adhering does not meet the legal criteria. We have asked them to complete the documents, but they have not brought them and under these conditions we cannot hold talks. The suspension of work since October 8 is causing us economic damage and we will pursue legal steps on this issue. It is not at all true that wages and working conditions are as they claim", said General Director Cem Koray Vagci in a conversation in his office.
At noon, the police intervened against the protesters, demanding that the blocked road be cleared, which led to tensions and confrontations between the parties. Two miners were escorted to the police station.
The miners said they will continue the protest until their demands are taken into consideration and formal talks on a collective agreement begin. The company, meanwhile, insists on respecting legal procedures for union recognition before any negotiations. /BIRN/
