Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/439/5199
From The Socialist newspaper, 11 May 2006
CWI urgent solidarity appeal:
Female factory workers in Russia start hunger strike
Six female workers at the 'Kholodmash' factory in Yaroslavl city, Russia, including the leader of the plant's trade union, Olga Boiko, started an "indefinite hunger strike", on 16 May.
CWI reporters, Russia
Workers began the hunger strike as part of their campaign demanding payment of several months wage arrears and to demand a plan to save the Kholodmash factory, which is now on the verge of bankruptcy.
Only weeks ago, on 27 March, the workforce occupied the Director's office in the factory and refused to release the Director until he promised to begin negotiations with them, including participation by the regional government.
The occupation ended after the regional governor, Anatolii Lisitsyn, agreed to participate in finding a solution (see previous report on socialistworld.net).
However, notwithstanding many promises, the workers' demands are still not met. At the end of April, the Regional Government (Oblduma) turned down a proposal to open a credit line for the factory. As a result, the workforce, once again, find themselves with no way out but to step up their protests.
In desperation, six workers have taken the drastic decision to go on hunger strike. On 30 May, the Arbitration Court is due to meet to decide whether to declare the factory bankrupt.
The Kholodmash workers need the energetic support of trade unionists, socialist organisations, and human rights groups. Solidarity protest actions are needed.
Please send emails, faxes or letters of protest, to: Valerii Kalinkin, Kholodmash Director
- By e-mail: holod@median.ru
- or by fax +7 4852 552204. (If the phone is answered, just say "Start fax", and wait for the fax ring tone).
Also, please send protests to: Anatolii Lisitsyn, Yaroslavl Region Governor.
Fax to ++7 4852 328414.
Please send copies of protests to: pabgem@online.ru (And they will be passed on to the Kholodmash workers).
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In The Socialist 11 May 2006:
Socialist Party election analysis
Huddersfield: voters choose a socialist and a fighter!
Third socialist councillor elected in Coventry
Increased votes for socialism in Lewisham
Stoke - BNP wins close-run election
Excellent results for the Socialist Party
Local elections: A death blow for Blair?
Dangers in Respect's development
Socialist Party NHS campaign
International socialist news and analysis
Female factory workers in Russia start hunger strike
Venezuela: Fight for socialism
Iraq - the nightmare continues
Germany: 'Unity' at the expense of the working class
Socialist Party workplace news
Postal union rejects pay offer
Student union leaders hide truth about lecturers' action
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