On August 6, a group of Indian citizens blocked the Ijevan–Yerevan interstate road, demanding improved working conditions. The statement was made by Mher Mirzoyan, director of the Ijevan-based Lje-Grand textile factory, as reported by Sputnik Armenia.
Earlier rumors had suggested the workers were demanding unpaid wages.
“The issue relates to wages. They want a raise and reduced working hours, even though they signed three-year contracts,” Mirzoyan said.
He said that the company cannot meet demands that fall outside the scope of those employment contracts.
“I’d rather shut down the business than operate under those terms. There are workers whose three-year contracts are expiring—I’m buying them tickets home, or, if they prefer, we’re renewing the contracts,” he stated.
According to Mirzoyan, the local workforce in Ijevan is limited, which is why they employ Indian workers. Beyond salary, he said, the company also provides all necessary living conditions.
The director noted that while there had been complaints in the past, the situation had never escalated to the point of road blockades.
“I state with full responsibility—we owe them nothing. They are only due six days’ worth of wages, which will be paid by the end of the month,” he said.
Mirzoyan also noted that the factory currently employs 170 Armenian workers.
