Over the past week, miners at Kryvyi Rih Iron Ore Plant have organised a series of work-to-rule actions - choosing to remain underground after their shifts have finished in protest for higher wages, the right to early retirement due to harmful working conditions, and the removal of the plant’s current management.
On 8 September, the Independent Union of Miners of Ukraine stated that up to 400 miners had refused to come up to the surface as part of the protest. Staying longer in mine workings exposes miners to risks, and some workers have reported that, as a result of increased humidity and fungus, they are already experiencing effects on their lungs and skin.
Labour activists have also reported that protesting miners are facing distinct pressure as a result of their actions. On 11 September, union head Mykhail Volynets reported that the families of two union leaders at the October mine, which is part of Kryvyi Rih Iron Ore Plant, had been approached by unknown persons with threatening questions.
