On August 10, 2016, representatives of the Imereti, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti Division of the Public Defender's Office met with workers of a railway construction company in Kharagauli and got information about the existent situation.

The company employees explained that no appropriate working conditions, safe working environment or hygiene standards are provided for them; they cannot enjoy holidays, weekends or leaves; have no right to miss work due to health problems; are not familiar with the terms of their labor contract; do not have accurate information about the amount of remuneration as they get it without bank transfer; have to work with faulty equipments; do not have adequate working uniforms; are not provided with food or medical care.

The employees’ protest was caused by the attempt of dismissal of two employees who refused to resume working immediately after blowing up of a tunnel. The workers say it was impossible to work in the tunnel for an hour after the blowup, as the accumulated dust could harm their health.

In addition, the employees refer to degrading attitude from the company's representatives.

The Public Defender calls on the of Labour Conditions Inspection Department of the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia to examine working conditions at the Zvare-Qvishkheti section of the Khashuri-Kharagauli-Zestaponi railway construction and ensure an adequate reaction to it.

The recent developments and the high number of people injured or killed in the workplace clearly shows that it is necessary to create an effective mechanism for the protection of labour safety and good working conditions. Since 2013 the Public Defender has repeatedly talked about the need and importance of creation of labor inspectorate at various levels, but unfortunately, the Government has not taken effective steps so far.