Prime Minister Tells Nairit Employees Who Haven’t Been Paid in 17 Months To “Be Patient”

Dozens of workers marched from Nairit rubber factory to the government building today to demand their nearly two-years' worth of unpaid wages as well as an explanation for the factory's uncertain fate. 

While the workers were speaking about their "helpless and miserable situation," Armenian Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan spoke with organizers of the march outside the building entrance, suggesting they "be patient".

Abrahamyan suggested demonstrators get a group of 20 people and come inside after the government meeting — "to have a more substantial conversation."

Later, in conversation with the Epress.am correspondent, demonstrators said the prime minister's remarks do not inspire confidence, as they've heard many such promises before.

"What should we trust? What situation would a person who hasn't received a salary for 17 months be in? The whole day we beg 200 drams[less than $0.50]  from family members, neighbors, and the neighborhood shops, so we can go to work [a one-way public transportation fare is 100 dram]. Did the prime minister hear [about this problem] for the first time and he now has to start to discuss it?" they said. 

Recall, Nairit factory workers have been holding regular protests in the last year outside both the government building and the president's office.