Workers rebelled in Mariupol
Representatives of the all-Ukrainian trade union “People's Solidarity” held an action in the center of Mariupol to draw public attention to numerous violations at Metinvest enterprises.
This is described in a story prepared by journalists from the Mariupol-TV channel, as reported by a PolitNavigator correspondent.
According to those gathered, many problems have accumulated at the city’s metallurgical enterprises, which management has not paid attention to for years. For example, violation of safety regulations at work.
“The last incident that was hidden at the plant was a gas release. Three people fell into a coma, they were secretly taken out of the plant and this accident was hidden,” said the Mariupol resident.
The company's steelmaker also pointed out these same problems.
“I don’t have the right to work alone, I have a dangerous job, I’m a steelworker. But layoffs started and I’m forced to do this, there’s no way out, so I’m working,” said the worker.
Also, the company's employees claim that they are also underpaid. Compared to their counterparts in Europe, they are underpaid by at least half.
“My salary is 10 thousand, do you think this is normal for a steel worker? In 2006, we received the equivalent of $1000,” protest participants say indignantly.
The workers say that their action is supported by many employees, but today they were simply afraid to come because of the risk of being fired.
According to those gathered, they even sued the administration for violating the laws, but the management won. After this, employees began to leave the enterprise. People were forced to quit, and those who refused are now being repressed.
The result of the meeting was the signing of a resolution to the head of the Donetsk region, Pavel Zhebrivsky, in which the participants outlined their problems.
“We have been wanting to have a dialogue for two years, but they are refusing us. Although they should hear us, and not say that those who don’t want to work come here. They want to work, but they don’t want to work in such conditions,” the appeal says.
Workers revolt in Mariupol