The strike by Indian workers at Ijevan’s plant is ongoing, with employees today visiting the Indian Embassy in Armenia to present their complaints. Company director Mher Mirzoyan told Pastinfo that management is also involved in the negotiations.
“They are lying when they say we haven’t paid salaries. Everything is recorded here; otherwise, it would be visible. The company is currently working at half capacity, with only Armenians on the job. We actually have large orders right now and are suffering major financial losses daily. They thought that by putting us in this situation and blackmailing us, we would accept their demands, but I will not accept any extra demands. Whoever wants to work can stay; whoever doesn’t — that’s their decision. If they have an issue with tickets, they can work another month, earn the money, and buy a ticket to go,” Mirzoyan said.
He stressed that no one has been fired. “People come crying, saying they have hungry children in India. One says he sold his car to come here to work. I don’t blame them; it’s the organizers’ fault. Some tell me they want to work and not go home, but the ringleaders threaten them: if you don’t join, your children there will be harmed,” he added.
Mirzoyan said law enforcement has so far shown no interest in the threats. “Frankly, I haven’t filed a report, but if this continues, I might,” he noted.
On August 6, Indian employees held a protest blocking the Ijevan–Yerevan highway, demanding a 40,000 dram wage increase, shorter working hours, and that the company cover medical surgery expenses and reimburse ticket costs for returning to India. According to the director, these points are not part of their contracts.
