BULQIZA, July 5 – Thirty miners continued their hunger in the town of Bulqiza, while some of them had to be to hospitalized after becoming ill from the lack of food.
Meanwhile their colleagues and family members have moved to Tirana where they are protesting in front of the main government institutions asking for help.
Protesters even threatened to block the voting process of the president at the parliament, though this was prevented by authorities.
Protesters have begun demanding the resignation of the industry minister and even the government, reminding them the miners had supported them since the fall of communism.
The miners began the strike more than one week ago after failing to convince their company, Darfo, to increase their salaries by 50 percent, rather than the proposed 15 percent.
Each day, 660 miners descend thousands of meters to carve out chromium, however, they are not pleased with their low salaries.
They had tried to involve the industry ministry in negotiating higher salaries but had failed. Miners have also not managed to receive support from an independent trade union.
The 30 miners were among 150 who offered to take part in the hunger strike held at a building in the town. The strike has found support among the town’s residents who have begun protesting against the company and also the government.
Residents have threatened to block the national road from Tirana to Peshkopi.
