Miners Protest For Money Compensation

TIRANA, June 29 – Scores of miners from around the country held a protest Sunday in front of the government office in Tirana to ask for compensation.
The protest was held in support of a hunger strike by ex-miners asking for proper financial compensation from the government.
For about one hour the protesters held slogans saying they wanted what was owed them, not pity, and called on Premier Sali Berisha to listen to their demands.
A few days ago, a group of former miners burned medals they had received from Berisha for their support in toppling the former communist regime after 1990.
They now want to talk with the government about their status, including lowering the retirement age and increasing their pension.
They further claim the government has done nothing for them and, unless their demands are met, the hunger strikers from their ranks will also stop drinking water and begin what they called a “death strike”.