Syunik Governor Talks About Employees Cut Off in Kapan Mine

Employees of the Kapan mine have ended their hunger strike and have safely exited the mine. Syunik Governor Robert Ghukasyan stated in an interview with Sputnik Armenia how the mine workers and management reached an agreement after 24 hours of mediation efforts.

Ghukasyan also reported that other employees of the mining company, who had blocked the Kapan-Yerevan highway the day before, in order to present their demands regarding salaries and health insurance, have also halted their protests.

The mine workers and management negotiated on the contentious issues with the mediation of the Syunik governor. "There was a problem related to the dollar exchange rate that prevented any kind of salary increase. But both sides understood each other very well, and both left happily to continue their work," Ghukasyan said.

It is noteworthy that yesterday, four employees of the ore enrichment plant entered the mine and declared a hunger strike, demanding higher salaries and the provision of health insurance. After some time, all contact with them was lost. The other mine employees had also gone out to protest, as they were concerned for the lives of their colleagues.