23:51, 22 November 2005

Azeri workers go on strike

About 2,000 workers for US-based McDERMOTT which is involved in developing Azerbaijan's sector of the Caspian Sea went on strike by way of warning earlier today, demanding that wages to local workers should be raised by 15-20% and discrimination against them should be eliminated.

The strikers insist on an immediate increase in their wages as those paid to foreign workers have already been raised by 17.5%. Besides, the strikers want to be insured by the company in the same way as foreign workers who are also paid $2,000-3,000 a months, whereas Azeri workers are paid $300-400 a month.

Ms Mirvari Gakhramanly, leader of the trade union of oil industry workers of Azerbaijan, told Caucasian Knot that workers for subcontractors Kentek and РCH also joined the strike.

Author: Zaur Rasulzade, CK correspondent