ZPMC on the Situation Surrounding the Plant

As previously reported by the Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Combine (ZPMC), on January 31, 2025, a number of employees of ZPMC did not report to work, violating the labor legislation of the Republic of Armenia and employment contracts. They failed to perform their duties or left their workplaces, making unfounded and unrealistic ultimatum demands for wage increases, thereby disrupting the company’s workflow.

“Considering the public response, we present several important facts and figures,” they stated. “It is worth noting that employees of the company have previously organized protests and unlawful strikes demanding wage increases, including before changes in shareholders and management, for example, in 2018.

Since September 2024, the company has initiated a salary review process aimed at implementing institutional principles of remuneration, eliminating social inequalities, and ensuring a transparent compensation system based on industry standards and objective criteria. In this context, for example, as a result of the review of the compensation for truck operators and their assistants (October 2024), their earnings have significantly increased.

Regardless of the reforms taking place since September, it is essential to mention that the average salary at ZPMC currently exceeds all indicators in the sector. The average salary in the Syunik region is the second highest after the capital, attributed to the activities of the sector, particularly that of ZPMC.

To avoid arbitrary interpretations regarding salaries, we present the current salary figures for certain positions at the plant (Armenian Dram, minimum-maximum, including taxes):

Enrichment Factory Current Salary by Category:
Flotation Operator: 399,470 - 594,099
Locksmith: 329,918 - 580,003
Electro-Gas Welder: 359,856 - 609,491

Mineral Crushing and Transportation Workshop Current Salary by Category:
Conveyor Operator: 450,090 - 480,060
Electro-Gas Welder: 362,789 - 614,809

The remuneration for heavy truck drivers is based on a commission system (km/trip) with average monthly salaries (including taxes):
90 tons: 1,140,151
130 tons: 1,372,247
180 tons: 1,672,215
Overall average: 1,394,871

Additionally, all employees of ZPMC (including workers) and their family members, including parents, are provided with health insurance, while expenses not covered by insurance companies are financed by the company's charitable foundation.

All employees are entitled to legally stipulated vacation days and can take advantage of preferential or free vouchers provided by the union for resorts in Armenia and the region. The company reimburses employees’ and their children’s educational expenses. Employees are provided with free transportation and a one-time meal.

The company funds kindergartens, sports groups, medical institutions, cultural houses, numerous events, and hundreds of other social programs as part of its extensive social initiatives.

Since misinformation is being spread by strike organizers about 'poor' salaries and bad working conditions, we leave the above numbers and facts for public judgment.

Moreover, the number of employees involved in unauthorized actions does not exceed 7-8% of the total number of employees in the company. The union does not support these actions, deeming them illegal and does not consider them a strike.

“In the interest of ZPMC and the majority of its employees, the company sees it as its right to hold those who violate legal processes accountable,” they added. “ZPMC employs over 4,600 people. In many cases, employment is conditioned solely by social issues and does not always reflect the company’s actual needs for specialists.”