The strike participants were proposed to make a written appeal to the department. A group of the strike participants was invited to discuss the issue with the head of the department on 7 May.

Workers of the locomotive depot launched strike on 2 May. The strike participants demanded to increase their salaries.

From the end 2007 to April 2008, the workers of the department have received AZN 30 compensations. However, the worker who was on vocation or sick leave was deprived of this compensation. “From 1 April, according to the department head, we would receive AZN 28,6 addition to salary. The size of addition on salary will be equal for all workers,” a protester said.

State Railway stated that the salaries for all workers will be increased by AZN 28.6 from 1 April. Currently, the salaries of Railway workers make up AZN 302 against AZN 274.

“The strike did not affect the Railway schedule and cargo and passenger transportations,” Railway station said.

In February, the workers have already staged the strike demanding to raise their salaries. The strike was stopped after the workers met with the head of the department.

The correspondent can be contacted at: capital@trend.az

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World Bank announces $795 million Azerbaijan railway project

ABC.az: 03.05.2008

Baku -- Within the framework of Rail Trade and Transport Facilitation Project approved on March 27 by World Bank Group (WBG) Board of Directors the selection of a technical consultant has been announced.

Project group information is that technical consultants are to replace the power supply along the Baku-Beyuk-Kesik railway, renew signalling systems and purchase locomotives.

Requirements are at least 10 years work experience , practical experience in replacement of permanent current of 3.3 kV with 27.5 kV, replacement of signalling systems from 3.3 kV with 27.5 kV, expertise in the area of locomotive purchase and management, road business and carrying out systems modernisation will be selected in the competition.

The work duration is 40 months. Interested persons may receive additional information at: Baku, 230, D.Aliyeva Street (ADDY). The bids are received itll June 2, 2008, 3 pm.
Contact phone: 499-63-95. Fax: 499-63-97.
E-mail: piu@addy.gov.az, nahmadova@addy.gov.az

The $450 million loan for Rail Trade and Transport Facilitation Project has become the World Bank's biggest for Azerbaijan since 1995 when WBG opened financing. The loan will be disbursed through the International Bank of Reconstruction & Development (IBRD) for a 17-year period with a 4-year grace term.

The project aims to improve railway services in Azerbaijan, as well as the competitiveness, financial sustainability, operating and cost efficiency, and capacity of Azerbaijan Railway- ADDY- in particular along the transport corridor toward Georgia (east-west corridor). 90% of the $795 million loan project will be directed for transport and 10% for industry and trade.