YEREVAN. – Several dozens of current and former employees of the Nairit chemical plant, in Armenia’s capital city of Yerevan, began an open-ended sit-in Thursday outside the Government Building, and demanding the immediate payment of their wage arrears.

The Armenian News-NEWS.am reporter informed from the scene that the Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Karen Andreasyan, recently approached those staging the sit-in, and informed them that the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Yervand Zakharyan, had announced at Thursday’s Cabinet meeting that the overdue salaries of all Nairit workers will be transferred within two days.

The plant employees, however, told the Ombudsman that they do not believe in the minister’s announcement, and therefore they will continue the sit-in.

Shortly thereafter, Yerevan Deputy Police Chief Valeri Osipyan likewise approached the Nairit workers holding the sit-in, and warned them not to disturb public order. Otherwise, the Police will have to remove them from outside the Government Building.

The due wages of 700 Nairit employees were paid last week. The government, however, has not yet paid the outstanding salaries of another 1,200 workers.

These wage arrears will be paid by the state, and on the account of the profits of state-run energy companies.

The plant workers have assembled outside the Government Building and the Office of the President numerous times, and demanded a solution to their salary-related problems.

The Nairit chemical plant does not operate since April 2010.