Thousands of oil workers have been on strike in the Manghystau region of western Kazakhstan since May, demanding a wage increase, equal rights with foreign workers, the release of jailed union lawyer Natalya Sokolova and the lifting of restrictions on the activities of independent labor unions in the region. Sokolova was found guilty of "igniting social hatred" and sentenced to six years in prison last week.
A leader of the striking oil workers, Aqzhanat Aminov, was found guilty on August 17 by an Aqtau court of organizing an unsanctioned mass gathering. He was sentenced to a one-year suspended jail term.
Some 416 striking workers have been fired since May.
Thousands of oil workers have been on strike in the Manghystau region of western Kazakhstan since May, demanding a wage increase, equal rights with foreign workers, the release of jailed union lawyer Natalya Sokolova and the lifting of restrictions on the activities of independent labor unions in the region. Sokolova was found guilty of "igniting social hatred" and sentenced to six years in prison last week.
A leader of the striking oil workers, Aqzhanat Aminov, was found guilty on August 17 by an Aqtau court of organizing an unsanctioned mass gathering. He was sentenced to a one-year suspended jail term.
Some 416 striking workers have been fired since May.
