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Tradespeople protest against tough conditions

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  • Tradespeople protest against tough conditions

    Tradespeople protest against tough conditions


    A1+
    02:56 pm | March 27, 2009 | society


    Most booths of the Surmalu trade center were closed today
    morning. Tradespeople say they cannot pay leasing charges as the
    global economic crisis has hampered their trade.

    "The crisis has affected all of us. We can no longer pay the fixed
    money. Let them reduce the money at least by 50 000 as we cannot work
    in these tough conditions," said trader Astghik Hovakimyan.

    Tradespeople say they pay 175000 drams a month though they had signed
    an agreement of 100 000 drams. Whenever they try to protest, the
    administration says: "If you have nothing to gain from your job, you
    may quit it."

    The protesters say they have to pay the money in advance. Some have
    been forced to pawn their belongings - jewellery, cars and even flats-
    to get the required money.

    Besides, the administration makes them pay for electricity, parking
    and even for the toilet.

    The Director of the trade centre, Erwand Sukiasyan, spoke to
    journalists inside the building. He says he fully realises the reasons
    for the employees' complaint. At the same time, he notes that trade
    has gone down by 80 %. "The sides should draw a mutually beneficial
    conclusion within a short period of time," concluded Erwand
    Sukiasyan. Today Erwand Sukiasyan also received a few traders who
    later said they will continue to work till April 10, before the issue
    finds a final solution.

    Note that there are about 400 small and middle-sized booths in the
    trade centre.
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