THE BALLSH STRIKE CONTINUES
Fires, problems, judgments
Since yesterday at 8 in the morning, around 1,700 workers from the oil refinery in Ballsh have gone on a hunger strike. According to our sources, the organizers of this strike have put forward the following demands as the reasons for it: 1) The general director of the oil enterprise in Ballsh must resign. 2) The branch union chairman must be removed. 3) Those who misused the aid fund for the oil workers must be brought to justice. 4) Former deputy prime minister Qazim Lamani must be held accountable.
LEGAL
The mayor of Mallakastër, Mr. Aleksandër Këlliçi, made an appeal to the oil workers' unionists in Ballsh to end the hunger strike and pursue a lawful solution to the problems. According to him, the situation is on the verge of exploding and any further incitement may have serious consequences.
- The professional union-economic conflict over the implementation of the collective labor agreement is justified, but it must be resolved through legal channels. Protests and strikes are democratic means, but they must be carried out in compliance with the law, - he said.
He further noted that actions such as blocking work at oil facilities could bring major economic consequences for the country.
According to our sources in Ballsh, the situation is tense and measures have been taken to maintain order. Local authorities have called on the organizers to avoid any provocation.