YEREVAN. – The payment of salaries of the workers of the Nairit Chemical Factory—in capital city Yerevan—will begin in three days.

The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Armenia, Yervand Zakharyan, told the abovementioned to reporters on Wednesday.

“There is no reason to worry,” Zakharyan added. “You should not look for it.”

A total of 1,700 Nairit workers were formally discharged as of February 6. The total debt of Nairit chemical rubber plant—which no longer operates since April 2010—had amounted to 102 billion drams (approx. $215,184,825). The employees’ current salary debt totals 5 billion 310 million drams (approx. US$11,087,500).

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

According to the Nairit employees, they were promised the payment of their outstanding salaries solely if they waive the requirement to also be paid the penalties and fines for the delay in the payment of their wage arrears.

The salaries will be paid by the state, and on the account of the profits of state-run energy companies.