Tradespeople protest against tough conditions

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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.