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Georgian Coal-Miner Strike Enters 13th Day


Coal miners in Georgia have been on strike for 13 days to press their demands for higher pay and better working conditions.

Over 500 miners from the Dzidziguri and Mendeli coal mines have refused to work, saying their wages have not increased since a 2012 strike, despite the rising cost of living.

Making matters worse is the fact the Georgian currency, the lari, has lost nearly half its value to the dollar since 2014.

That's caused inflation and deflated the value of the coal miners' salaries, which range from 400 to 430 laris a month ($222-$238).

The Saknakhshiri group, which operates the two mines, said they would consider the question of wage raises in two months if the miners returned to work, but the strikers rejected the offer.

Based on reporting by AP

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