Female oil workers in Ballsh are entering the 10th day of a hunger strike. In a statement given to News24, they said they are determined to continue the protest.
The women have been protesting due to unpaid wages.
Male workers were on hunger strike for almost three weeks before the women took over due to their deteriorating health.
Women speaking to the media said that the payment of their salaries is non-negotiable and that they will only end the strike with death.
Prime Minister Edi Rama previously absolved himself of responsibility for the issue and said it could only be solved through dialogue. This week he asked the strikers to stop their action and to meet to discuss matters. They refused, stating they will not move until their demands are met.
Those working for the Ballsh refinery have not been paid for nearly two years and the company that was supposed to be managing the site appears to have left without a trace. Before this, the refinery had been mismanaged for several years.
