Defense ministry repaid wage arrears to military plant in Murmansk

02.04.2010 Source: RIA Novosti, photo: salary (ural.ru)

Employees of factory controlled by Northern Fleet Engineer Service stopped a week-long hunger strike when Ministry of Defense completely repaid wage arrears which were almost 14 mln RUR as of March 2010, informed RIA Novosti citing Alexander Pervukhin, chairman of Murmansk regional trade council.

Twelve employees went on hunger strike on March 25.

According to Pervukhin, money arrived on accounts of all employees on Monday and in few days was transferred on their bank cards. "Parent company Oboronstroi had appropriated 13.8 mln RUR and that is the total sum of indebtedness", he said.

"Strikers disbelieved that the money would be ever repaid. Even when it was reported that the money arrived on accounts of the factory, the employees refused to stop hunger strike", said Pervukhin.

Wednesday morning four strikers stayed at the factory since one of them needed emergency medicine due to long-term hunger. But all employees stopped their action no sooner as Wed evening when they made sure that money had arrived on their personal accounts.

Oboronstroi financial representative is currently works at the factory controlling disposition of funds assigned by defense ministry, said Pervukhin.

The factory's future will depend on the parties' decision. According to the strikers, they were offered to retire; in this case they would be paid wages for two further months and all compensatory payments. According to Pervukhin who talked to the factory's staff, employees also tend to this decision.

At present, the factory has no orders. Total staff numbers 35 employees; 29 of them are supposed to retire on May 5.