Odor and Loud Noise in the Area of Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Combine: Ombudsman

The results of the visit of representatives of the Human Rights Defender to the Kajaran community on February 6 have been summarized. This was reported by the Ombudsman's office.

“During the meetings, employees of the Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Combine raised issues related to the review of salaries, medical insurance, working conditions, particularly the noise, dust, and vibration levels exceeding permissible standards in the workshops, as well as hygiene conditions,” the report states.

Representatives of the Ombudsman also met with the residents of the buildings adjacent to the combine. The residents indicated that a treatment plant is currently being constructed at the ZPMK, which is intended to process waste generated from the company’s workshops. According to the residents, the plant is very close to residential buildings and may negatively affect the environment and the health of people. They claimed that the level of air pollution in Kajaran has significantly increased, and there is a persistent odor in the area around the plant, including the residential buildings. They added that they have initiated a petition regarding this issue.

Issues pertaining to the Ombudsman’s mandate have been addressed to the relevant inspection bodies at the instruction of the Defender. During the visit, it was recorded that employees of the combine were not adequately informed about the legal requirements for organizing and conducting a strike.

Moreover, complaints recently addressed to the Human Rights Defender, calls received on the hotline, as well as publications on social networks and in the media, indicate that the problem is systemic and relates not only to the employees of the combine but also to those of other organizations. In this context, the Defender emphasizes that the state must continue to conduct awareness-raising activities regarding the legislatively established procedures for resolving collective labor disputes and conducting strikes.

It is also essential to mention that the Human Rights Defender has repeatedly addressed the issues related to the realization of the right to strike in his annual reports over the years. For instance, in the 2023 annual report, the Defender specifically noted that although the right to strike is enshrined, the procedures for its implementation are quite complex, making it practically impossible to conduct a strike while complying with the legal requirements.

In the context of regulations concerning strikes, while certain positive changes were implemented in 2023 and the requirements for conducting strikes were reduced, these are not sufficient for the proper realization of the right to strike in accordance with international standards. The Defender particularly emphasizes that the regulations existing in the state should not practically hinder the raising of relevant issues by workers through strikes, and that the competent authorities should thoroughly investigate issues related to working conditions, ensuring that systematic solutions are found in the shortest possible time,” the message states.