TBILISI, DFWatch — Groups of youth demonstrated today in front of the new parliament building where the eighth Georgian parliament assembly began its 2012-2013 season on Sunday.

A number of students and youth came to Kutaisi joined by local students to protest against the slave-like conditions workers are having to endure.

They demanded that the newly elected parliament amends the labor code, which offers workers almost no protection but gives many rights to employers. They also demand accessible education for youth and to punish people involved in violence and torture.

Youth holding posters “A worker is not a slave”, “Solidarity with workers” greeted MPs and guests at the new parliament. The demonstrators shouted slogans and protest messages.

They expressed solidarity with the miners in Chiatura, who for a week have been on strike against their difficult conditions at work and low salaries.

At the entrance to parliament there also were supporters of Georgia’s first president Zviad Gamsakhurdia. They were holding old Georgian flags in black, white and scarlet.

After the first session of the new parliament, the students went back to Chiatura, a town north of Kutaisi, to continue to support the miners there.

A rally was also held in the capital at Tbilisi State University, where those who weren’t able to leave the capital on Sunday had gathered to express solidarity with the miners and demand to amend the labor code.