AlbChrome and the old union threaten to fire the miners if they don’t join the old union

Only by organizing and resisting will we be able to show our strength and improve our working conditions

The old union of Taf Koleci and Kol Nikolla, in cooperation with the company, have begun exerting an unprecedented pressure towards the miners by threatening them even with dismissal if they don’t join the old union. This campaign of terror aims to increase the membership of the old union, thus legitimatizing it to negotiate the upcoming collective agreement with the company. This corrupted union that has always been on the company’s and political parties’ side is now continuing its alliance against the miners.

United Miners of Bulqiza Trade Union calls all of its members and all the miners also:

Miners! Remember why we took the initiative to found the new union. The conditions of the collective contract negotiated by the old union are sucking our blood; they are raising the work rates while the wages are being kept at ridiculous levels compared to our work.

Miners! We knew it wouldn’t be easy when we took this courageous step. Four of us are now dismissed: Elton, Beqir, Behar and Ali. And if we won’t bow down to them we are all being threatened. Is it worth it lowering our heads for a job that threatens our lives daily?

Miners! The only way out of our misery is to stay united against them. If we are divided, they will continue to terrify us and to oppress us till no end. If we stay united, we risk to unfairly lose our jobs, but we will never win our rights and dignity without risking.

Miners! Only by organizing and resisting will we be able to show our strength and improve our working conditions. By giving up on our union we will give up our children’s bread. Let’s show the bravery of the Bulqiza people who were not afraid even from the invaders, let alone these rascals.

It is better to live for a day as a lion, then spend the rest of our lives as sheep!