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Workers At Kazakh Copper Giant Go On Strike


A KazakhMys plant in Kazakhstan (Photo from Global Witness)
A KazakhMys plant in Kazakhstan (Photo from Global Witness)
ZHEZQAZGHAN, Kazakhstan -- Some 1,000 transport workers are on strike at Kazakhstan's major copper producer, RFE/RL's Kazakh Service reports.

The workers at KazakhMys refused late on April 17 to transport miners to and from the copper mines in the central towns of Zhezqazghan and Satpaev, paralyzing mining operations.

The strikers told RFE/RL they want a 100 percent pay raise. Their current monthly wage is 30,000-40,000 tenges ($205-$270).

Last week, the corporation's management agreed to raise wages as of May 1, but the workers say they want the raise now. They say KazakhMys management has promised to raise wages many times in the past but never followed through.

KazakhMys executives have begun talks with trade unions and workers' representatives on resolving the standoff.

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