Nairit Workers Resume Protests; Indefinite Sit-in Planned If Issues Unresolved

Nairit employees have resumed their protest action near the government building after a long hiatus. Their issues remain the same—salary payments and safety concerns. One protest participant stated that discussions are scheduled for tomorrow, during which relevant stakeholders, including factory employees, will be invited.

They warned that if their concerns are not addressed, they will initiate an indefinite sit-in in front of the government, having waited for seven months. “How many days it will take to resolve the salary issue, when it will be resolved will be addressed tomorrow, and it will be decided what method of payment will be used, and through whom the payment will be made,” noted a Nairit worker who attended the meeting with a government representative.

The Nairit workers indicated that previously, the Ministry of Emergency Situations provided funds for 120 individuals from the government fund, but now the salary for those 120 is left to the factory. The factory is responsible for paying the salaries of 240-250 workers, while it is effectively a bankrupt enterprise. It needs to sell products in order to pay its employees.

“Nairit is dead; either bury it or burn it, they are doing neither. They have left it as a breeding ground for cholera. There are 25,000 tons of flammable chemical substances that need to be neutralized to avoid ecological harm and impact on human health,” remarked one protester.

Another Nairit worker added, “Nairit is a dangerous factory for Armenia, with thousands of tons of explosive materials.” They reiterated that if their issues are not resolved, an indefinite sit-in will commence in front of the government, emphasizing their seven-month wait.