Issues Arise Regarding the Layoff of 300 Employees at Sotk Gold Mine, with 100 Already Laid Off: MP

Independent MP Taguhi Tovmasyan delivered an urgent speech during an extraordinary session of the National Assembly regarding the situation of employees at the Sotk gold mine. The mine's workers have been on forced leave since the war, and part of the mine's operation has ceased due to most of it remaining under Azerbaijani control.

The MP reported that a layoff issue affecting approximately 300 employees has emerged, with 100 already laid off, and the rest are currently in the process of being laid off. According to the MP, around 300 families from Vardenis and surrounding areas will be left without jobs in an already difficult social situation.

The MP also noted that many residents of Vardenis and nearby regions have contacted her, expressing their intention to block the railway leading from the Sotk gold mine to Ararat in protest. They are also prepared to take other extreme measures.

“In order to avoid such drastic measures, perhaps my statement will help the government take some steps to alleviate this dissatisfaction and propose some alternatives because leaving 300 families without an income source is a serious grievance and social burden,” the MP stated. She is confident that an alternative must be offered to people as soon as possible.