Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili Monday echoed the recent developments over IDS Borjomi International, saying the Economy Ministry has completed the negotiations, while next week’s Cabinet meeting will review this issue and the state will be the company’s shareholder and co-owner.

The PM said that “there are some difficulties, the employees protest among others.”

“This morning I had a conversation with Mr. Zurab Azarashvili [Health Minister]. On his instructions, the Labour Inspection is already involved in the process. I want to tell everyone that no citizen will be oppressed and we will treat everyone fairly, everything will be resolved as needed,” said the Prime Minister.

IDS Borjomi workers kicked off full-scale picketing of #1 and #2 bottling factories as they are demanding the payment of delayed salaries, the reinstatement of their dismissed colleagues, the return of previous working conditions, a 25% salary increase, and the ending of a “blackmailing and threatening” against vocal workers.

For the record, the company announced the suspension of production on April 29, citing “difficulties” brought about by the war in Ukraine. The company’s majority shareholder, Mikhail Fridman, a Russian oligarch, is currently facing Western sanctions over the Russian invasion of Ukraine.