Employees of Murmansk military enterprise went on hunger-strike
26.03.2010 Twelve employees of enterprise subordinated to Northern Fleet (NF) Engineer Service went on hunger-strike, reports RIA Novosti. The reason is that strikers have not got wages for a year.
Hunger-strikers will keep themselves alive only by water, said Oleg Reznikov, the chairman of NF united trade union organization. Ministry of Defense, city authorities and police have been already informed. There are elderly people among the strikers, pointed out Reznikov.
Representatives of city administration said that in the evening of March 25 Deputy Chief Military Procurator Alexander Mokritsky was supposed to arrive in Murmansk to deliberate the situation with the employees.
Since 2004 till 2008 the employees of the enterprise were engaged in construction and repair of military quays in Murmansk region. Eventually, due to irregular financing debts of orders and salaries started to grow. In 2010 the enterprise joined new organization Oboronstroi along with somewhat 40 similar factories. However, wage arrears left at the previous organization.
At present, the enterprise which used to employ 40 men is not working. The property is attached and being gradually sold out, although incomes are not enough for debt redemption. Total wage arrears make about 14 mln RUR.
Governor of Murmansk region Dmitry Dmitrienko said on Thursday, March 25 that he had a meeting with representatives of defense ministry and discussed the situation. According to him, in the nearest future the striking employees will obtain 10 mln RUR. This will be enough to pay off debt till Nov 1, 2009. However, the enterprise should arrange law matters prior to receive these funds.
Source: Lenta.Ru, photo: port of Murmansk (Lenta.ru)