TBILISI, DFWatch — The strike among port workers in Poti has ended, as workers were promised a 20 percent pay rise.

A local correspondent for Interpressnews reports that what solved the crisis was when Economy Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili and Irakli Petriashvili, head of Georgia’s Trade Union, became involved in the failed negotiations and nudged the parties towards a solution.

“We achieved an agreement so workers will be compensated for the days on strike. Salaries will increase by 20 percent from December 1 instead of January 1,” the economy minister said, adding that they agreed with new administration of the port on a number of issues.

“These issues will be reviewed with the prime minister in more detail in near future,” he added.

Work was restored Friday night.

The Poti port connects South Caucasus to the outside world. It is an important transit hub for the flow of goods between Europe and Central Asia, as part of the Trans-Caucasian Corridor (TRACECA).

The strike started a few weeks ago, when workers held a warning protest to improve working conditions and increase salaries. A week ago, the strike was renewed until it ended yesterday. There is no estimate available of how big loss the strike caused.