Kazakhmys Miners' Strike in Satpayev: What Is Known

Hundreds of workers of the branch of the corporation TOO Kazakhmys - Zhezkazgantsvetmet have gone on strike in the Ulytau region, Orda.kz reports.

On December 17, a strike suddenly broke out at shaft No. 65 of the Yuzhno-Kazakhstansky mine.

More than 250 miners refused to go underground. People declared the need for higher wages and better working conditions.

Zhezkazgantsvetmet worker Kairat Baukene said the protest began around midday when the third shift was supposed to enter the mine. However, the miners refused to continue working.

The YUZhR head Aldabergenov came down to the workers to negotiate. Employees of the regional Akimat and law enforcement agencies also arrived. The miners' demands and conditions are being clarified,
 wrote Bauke.

Demands related to the rising cost of copper on the international market, the rise in the dollar exchange rate, and the rise in the price of food and utilities spurred the strike.

At first, the workers wanted a 30% wage increase, but later, the miners declared the need to increase wages by 100% and reduce pressure from government agencies.

Kairat Bauken also shared a video of a sudden fire breaking out at the mine during the strike.