23:36, 3 December 2004

Azerbaijan oil workers protest against violations of their rights

"Foreign oil companies don't stop violating Azerbaijan laws and labor rights of its citizens," chairwoman of the Committee to Protect Oil Industry Workers Mirvari Gakhramanly said to the Caucasian Knot correspondent. According to her, pressure is put upon Azerbaijan oil workers who try to create independent trade unions in foreign companies. Having learnt about the workers' initiatives, directors of the companies fire them without paying compensations, Ms Gakhramanly noted. "The oil workers receive no answer to their numerous forms of address to BP Azerbaijan President David Woodward," she said. If the policy of putting pressure on local workers continues, the Committee to Protect Azerbaijan Oil Industry Workers will arrange protest actions, announced the committee chairwoman.

Author: Zaur Rasulzade, CK correspondent

Source: Caucasian Knot