site.btaMiners from Bourgas-based Mine Remain Underground to Protest Unpaid Wages

Miners from Bourgas-based Mine Remain Underground to Protest Unpaid Wages


Sofia, September 18 (BTA) - Miners from the Bourgas-based Cherno
More Mines did not come out from their night shift on Thursday
morning as a sign of protest over unpaid wages, the Bulgarian
National Television reported. The last time the workers were
paid was in July. Despite their letters to the National
Electricity Company (NEK), which owes money to the mining
company, and the three day strike action, the workers' problem
remains unsolved.

A total of 45 miners went to work 300 metres underground at
midnight and said they will only come out again when their late
wages are wired to their bank accounts. The mine's management
and trade unions have taken measures to avoid any accidents by
ensuring rescue teams, an ambulance and food for the protesting
workers.

The trade union urged the responsible institutions to not delay
solving the problem.

It is still not clear whether the morning and day shift miners
will join their protesting colleagues underground.

Prior to resorting to strike action, the miners staged warning
one-hour protests before their shifts for two consecutive says.

The mine's management said a few days ago that the late wages of
some 400 miners amount to around 600,000 leva. MY