Miners of the Bulqiza United Miners’ Union (SMBB) protested today in front of the Prime Minister’s Office, calling for the Rama government’s support for their demands.
They work in the Albchrome mine in Bulqize, owned by businessman Samir Mane.
The union was formed last year due to members accusing the other Union of not serving their interests. Shortly after it was formed, the head Elton Debreshi and three other miners were fired.
The State Labor Inspectorate investigated the terminations but ruled they were fair, a judgment that the SMBB have rejected, claiming the Inspectorate have been influenced by Mane.
In a Facebook announcement, Debreshi said the miners were going to bring their problems to the capital, following the complete silence by the government and media on their protests.
Following the first round of protests in early December, some of the miners were arrested for protesting illegally. The prosecution dropped the investigations at the end of December stating that their demonstration was not illegal.
Protesting Albchrome miners presented a list of demands for their company and the government:
- Wage increase
- Rate review
- Payment of the end-of-year bonus
- Recognition of skill at and seniority at work
- Approval of a special status for miners
- Compensation for work-related accidents
- Cessation of undue pressure on miners
- Re-employment of four SMBB miners
