Protest of a group of railroad workers

Baku/16.05.22/Turan: On May 16, a group of railway workers held a protest in front of the building of the Azerbaijan Railways CJSC. They protested against low wages.

One of the participants of the action, Tarana Humbatova, has been working as a conductor for 32 years. “During the pandemic, we were suspended from work and were paid 329 manats a month.

During these two years, salaries were increased for everyone, but not for us. Two months ago, our salary was raised to 372 manats, saying that we would receive only 2/3 of this amount. We were forced to subscribe to it. Is it possible to live on 200-250 manats? All those who have gathered here have children, loans, there are those who live in a rented apartment,” Humbatova said.

Some participants of the action expressed the opinion that they are being forced out of work in order to take others.

Elyar Muradov, head of the passenger transportation department, who came out to the participants of the action, said that the CJSC made a decision in accordance with the Labor Code.

He noted that during the pandemic there were downtime on the railway. For two years, employees received salaries. However,  since  May 1, downtime rules  are applied. According to the labor code, in such cases, the employee receives 2/3 of the salary. If the salary is 370 manats, then 2/3 of this amount is 248 manats.

After the arrival of the police squads, the participants were escorted to the reception of officials.—21B-