Vladivostok, 30 October 1997 (RFE/RL) -- RFE/RL's correspondent in Vladivostok reports that thousands of residents across the Primore region today participated in a one-day protest. Several thousand demonstrators picketed the city and regional administration buildings in Vladivostok.
Total wage arrears in Primore are estimated at nearly 500,000-million rubles ($85 million), and some parts of the region suffer water shortages. In addition to demands for unpaid back wages, the protestors also made political demands, calling for the resignations of President Boris Yeltsin and the federal government, along with the Primore administration.
Meanwhile, energy workers are threatening more strikes in November, which could cause a resumption of power cuts. Workers at the Zvezda submarine repair plant, which has not been paid for various defense orders, are threatening to blockade the Trans-Siberian Railroad.
Total wage arrears in Primore are estimated at nearly 500,000-million rubles ($85 million), and some parts of the region suffer water shortages. In addition to demands for unpaid back wages, the protestors also made political demands, calling for the resignations of President Boris Yeltsin and the federal government, along with the Primore administration.
Meanwhile, energy workers are threatening more strikes in November, which could cause a resumption of power cuts. Workers at the Zvezda submarine repair plant, which has not been paid for various defense orders, are threatening to blockade the Trans-Siberian Railroad.