**Labor Unions in Georgia Take Collective Action Against Government**
On February 5, six independent labor unions announced a joint decision to initiate seven collective labor disputes against the government. This is the first time that collective action has been used against the state and may pave the way for a legally warranted strike.
The unions are demanding an improvement in working conditions and an end to politically motivated purges. They include The Georgian Labor Union of Science, Education, and Culture, the Guild Labor Union, the Social Workers’ Association, the Georgian Musicians’ Union, and others.
**Recent Public Sector Dismissals Linked to Pro-EU Protests**
The labor unions have linked recent public sector dismissals to employees’ involvement in pro-European rallies. Among those dismissed was Giga Sopromadze, Executive Secretary of the Council for Persons with Disabilities at Tbilisi City Hall, who was let go on December 26.
According to Sopromadze, more than 300 people have already been dismissed from state institutions who were “specifically targeted” because of their activism in pro-EU protests. These individuals are being replaced by alternative, compliant personnel.
**Labor Mobilization Gains Momentum**
Legal experts have underscored the significance of this unprecedented labor mobilization. Constitutionalist Vakhushti Menabde outlined the legal procedures for collective labor disputes and stated that since the labor unions have appealed to the Ministry of Labor, employers are now obliged to engage in negotiations with employees. On the 22nd day from the initiation of the dispute, employees gain the right to strike.
This is one of the first attempts to exercise the legal right to strike in Georgia. “Nothing like this has ever happened, labor disputes have never had such a wave form,” Menabde said.
**Industrial Actions Unfold**
Meanwhile, industrial actions are already unfolding in Rustavi’s metallurgical plant. Employees gathered in front of the plant’s administrative building to demand a 500 GEL increase in salaries and the return of employees recently dismissed from their positions.
The labor unions’ collective action against the government is gaining momentum, with more workers joining the movement. As one employee said, “Hopefully, others will join in.”
