Azerbaijani employees of Caspian Shipyard company suspend the strike - UPDATED

13.06.08

18:35

Chairman of the trade union Jahangir Aliyev said that the trade union representatives informed the Caspian Shipyard management about the demands of the employees.

Following many hours of talks, the company management agreed to continue discussions on Monday.

"The employees demand rise in wages, prevention of violations in conclusion of labor contracts and improvement of nutrition.

Aliyev said a trade union had been created in Caspian Shipyard.

In turn, the company workers noted that if their demands are not met until next Friday, they will continue the strike.

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10:08

Following talks with the management, the Azerbaijani employees of Caspian Shipyard suspended the strike.

The due announcement was made by chief of the organization for oil workers' rights protection Mirvari Qahramanly.

She said about 1,000 workers of Caspian Shipyard declared a strike yesterday.

"Main demands of the employees are raising the salary considering inflation, issue of wages in local currency, reducing gap between the salaries of local and foreign employees. Moreover, local employees are against mass hiring of foreigners".

Qahramanly said that currently the average wage of local employees of the company makes AZN 190-210 ($240), while foreigners get $1,500.

The Singapore-owned Caspian Shipyard is a subcopntractor of Italian Agip, functioning in Kazakhstan.

Caspian Shipyard rejected to comment on the issue, referring to the absence of the management.

Chairman of the trade union of oil and gas workers Jahangir Aliyev announced that the workers' demands will be discussed at tomorrow meeting with the Caspian Shipyard management.

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12.06.08

18:15

About 500 Azerbaijani employees of foreign Caspian Shipyard Company have initiated a strike, says Azadlyg radio.

The strikers demand raising wages to the level of foreign citizens', working in this company.

"We can take vacation only for 21 days and foreigners for 40 days", say the strikers.

The strike participants have handed the list of their demands to the company management. They also voiced intention to create a trade union.

The strikers also complain about their maltreatment by foreign contractors.

A source from the Caspian Shipyard told Azadlyg radio that the management is currently holding a session, after which it will express its opinion on the said issue.

It should be noted that the said company specializes in the sphere of oil and gas industry.

/Day.Az/, /APA/