ULAN-UDE -- Railway workers in Russia's Republic of Buryatia have launched a hunger strike to protest layoffs and a 20 percent salary cut, RFE/RL's Russian Service reports.
At least 60 workers of the Severomui section of the major railway through southern Siberia are participating in the action.
Representatives of the Trade Union of Railway Workers told journalists that despite promises by the state-owned Russian Railways Corporation, 31 workers have been laid off recently.
According to the union activists, more people may lose their jobs soon.
The hunger strikers do not plan to block the railway.
They have set up a tent camp along the tracks, saying they are holding a peaceful action to publicize their plight.