TIRANA The government blames the unions for blocking work on the status of miners. In a joint statement to the media, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy and the Ministry of Finance and Economy explain that for some time now they have set up a joint working group that has held discussions with union representatives, most of whom have agreed on the draft but there is another part of the unions that have not agreed.

"Referring to the protest held today by union representatives on the issue of the 'Miner's Status', the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy together with the Ministry of Finance and Economy clarifies to the public opinion that a joint inter-institutional working group has been operational for some time now, chaired by the respective deputy ministers Enis Aliko and Dajna Sorensen.
This working group has held intensive discussions with union representatives, most of whom have agreed among themselves on a draft that they have presented to the working group. Unfortunately, so far, there are also a number of union representatives who have not agreed with the draft proposed by the main part of the unionists. We take this opportunity to call on all union representatives to become part of the discussions at the working group table, to unite in positions on a single draft which will then be subject to the procedures set out in the law", declare the MIE and MFE.

Retired miners and unions protested today in front of the Prime Minister's Office, announcing the start of an indefinite strike next week until the status of miners is achieved.

(mk/BalkanWeb)