Kazakhmys miners strike demanding better salaries & working conditions
[Translation prepared by Business & Human Rights Resource Centre]
Kazakhmys miners go on strike again: what's going on, 18 December 2024
...[M]iners of the South Jezkazgan and Zhylandinsky mine, which are part of the Zhezkazgantsvetmet production association, went on strike. Third shift workers refused to go underground and called for higher wages and better working conditions...
The company's CEO and trade union representatives met with workers to discuss the wage issue...
...[T]he company noted that a sharp increase in wages could widen the gap with wages in the region and industry, which would make the company less competitive and could lead to the closure of a number of mines.
It is noted that in addition to the wage increase, a new collective agreement for 2025-2029 will come into force in 2025. The agreement provides for:
- an increase in financial assistance and compensation;
- additional benefits for parents of children with special needs;
- expansion of children's recreation programs;
- coverage of all employees with voluntary medical insurance (currently provided only to workers in hazardous working conditions)...