Georgia’s Rustavi Azot hit by mass strike over wages

More than 1,000 employees at Georgia’s biggest chemical plant have been on strike for the fourth consecutive day, demanding higher wages.

The protest at Rustavi Azot, which produces industrial chemicals and mineral fertilisers, comes after management offered a 3% pay rise, which workers say is insufficient, Caliber.Az reports via Georgian media. Staff are calling for an increase of 300 lari (around $111).

All production at the plant has been halted, including the manufacture of oxygen used to supply local hospitals. Workers have said they will continue the strike until their demands are met.

Rustavi Azot is the largest chemical enterprise in the South Caucasus, playing a crucial role in the region’s industrial and medical supply chains.

Previously, on January 29, workers began protesting against low wages. The strike was triggered after management offered a 4% pay rise, which employees deemed insufficient.

Rustavi Azot is the largest chemical company producing industrial chemicals and mineral fertilisers in the South Caucasus. According to the company’s official website, more than 2,000 people are employed at the plant.

By Aghakazim Guliyev