Oil workers in Albania have decided to suspend their hunger strike on its 25th day, and meet with Prime Minister Edi Rama on Monday.
“We are taking a step back to find a solution. We will stop the hunger strike even if it’s for only two hours to have a dialogue with the prime minister, and if we are not given a solution, we will return to the strike,” the oil workers told the media on Sunday.
It comes after repeated calls by Rama to sit in talks after they have quit the strike. They had so far refused, asking for guarantees or concrete solutions.
Rama welcomed the decision and asked them to appoint representatives to meet with him in their city, Ballsh.
“The closing of the strike in Ballsh is very good news! I am sorry for so many days of unnecessary toil, as we have not only been completely sensitive to your issue, but also ready to discuss it together! Now appoint representatives, and tomorrow I will be there with you,” Rama tweeted.
The oil workers are demanding unpaid salaries for the last two years. Rama says this is an issue outside government responsibility, and between them and the private company owing the refinery.
