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Kazakh deputy PM pledges to employ sacked oil sector workers

According to Shukeyev, many service companies of the region are ready to employ oil sector workers on strike

ASTANA, December 21 (Itar-Tass) — The head of the government commission looking into mass disturbances in Zhanaozen (Mangistau region of Kazakhstan) promises to employ sacked oil sector workers.

Umirzak Shukeyev, who is first deputy prime minister of Kazakhstan, met on Wednesday with oil sector workers sacked from oil and gas enterprises of the region, who have got together in central Aktau, the press service of the head of the Mangistau region reports.

Shukeyev reminded them that the president had instructed him to look into the existing problems and offer workers on strike all possible options to solve them, as well as to ensure their employment in accordance with their professional training.

According to him, many service companies of the region as well as 20 enterprises in other parts of the country are ready to employ oil sector workers on strike. Before that, the city authorities will give them an opportunity to take part in paid public works. Besides, the leadership of the Oil and Gas Ministry has received instructions to consider other options to employ Aktau oil sector workers.

The strikers “brought to the attention of Shukeyev and other members of the government commission the essence of their problems and demands. They stressed that they are ready to consider offers of the commission, but insisted on the revision of the sacking procedure, as this, according to them, was done with violations,” a report said.

Shukeyev offered the oil sector workers to consider commission offers within a week and then meet once again to make concrete decisions on their employment.

Mass disturbances in Zhanaozen occurred on Friday, December 16. Fourteen people died and dozens were injured. Forty-six buildings burnt down. The president introduced a state of emergency in the town on December 17.

Curfew in Zhanaozen will be effective until January 5. The authorities restricted traffic, prohibited rallies and limited taking videos and photos and the use of copying equipment.