Tradespeople protest against tough conditions
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.
