The Bronze Soviet Soldier of Tallinn
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Estonia on the Brink of a General Strike
The Estonian transportation union has announced that bus drivers will strike on December 11 in demand of a raise in their salaries to 7700 kroon (ˆ493.60) per month, with that sum recorded on their new collective contract for the duration of two years. Railroad workers have already stated their intention of supporting the strike, and nurses, mill workers and sailors. Altogether, they are the workers whose economic situation has deteriorated due to worsening relation between Tallinn and Moscow.
After the conflict with Estonia over the Soviet bronze soldier monument once standing in downtown Tallinn, which culminated in late April, Russian transit through Estonia has been reduced by 40 percent. The losses of Estonian Railways are 35 percent compared with a year ago, with the transportation of crude oil, gasoline, coal falling dramatically. The railway has announced plans to lay off up to 40 percent of its employees, mainly those on the Russian line. General economic growth has also slowed in the country, by 2.5 percent in the second quarter. Inflation in the country will hit 9 percent this year, far above the Euro zone average. In all, the conflict with Russia has created losses of about ˆ320 million, according to one Estonian economist.
Russia's approach to the defense of Russian speakers living in Estonia and the other Baltic countries has shifted from dependence on international organization to a multifaceted approach based on diplomatic and economic influence. International organizations, particularly the Council of Europe and the UN have also expressed dissatisfaction with the position of Russian-speaking non-citizen residents of Estonia as well. Estonian railroad union chairman Oleg Chubarov said that the unions insist on their right to advance political demands as well.
www.kommersant.com
All the Article in Russian as of Dec. 05, 2007
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