Tragedy in a coal mine in Georgia

Four miners were killed and six injured on Monday when the roof of a coal mine in western Georgia collapsed as a result of an explosion that occurred at the Mindeli mine on the Monday morning.

This new tragedy stands in one long line of accidents that happen regularly in Georgia, where for more than ten years labour inspection has been disempowered and stripped from its functions and workers’ rights and social dialogue are neglected. We have denounced on several occasions, together with the GTUC, this approach of the authorities and businesses in Georgia, yet still the recklessness and lack of responsibility on their side continue augmenting the bloody toil of workers’ lives and endangering their health.

ITUC and its members convey a message of solidarity and condolences to the families of the victims, and also to the wounded miners our wishes for a quick recovery.

Mindeli coal mine tragedy