One-Day Strike Ends At Russia's Largest Car Factory

Workers on strike at the Avtovaz plant (RFE/RL) August 1, 2007 (RFE/RL) -- Hundred of workers have ended a one-day strike at Russia's largest car factory, RFE/RL's Russian Service reported.

Factory employees called the strike to demand higher wages. A worker participating in the strike at the AvtoVAZ factory, in the city of Tolyatti, told RFE/RL that workers earn an average monthly salary of $420, while middle managers are paid up to $5,400 per month.

He said a trade-union official backing the strike was detained by police on July 31.

Avtovaz has accused "certain political forces" of being behind the strike, which has been met with a heavy security presence at the factory.

(with material from agency reports)