A conflict erupted at the Novodzhambul Phosphate Plant (NDFZ LLP) in Taraz between the workforce and management. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
The spontaneous protest, video of which spread on social media, was triggered by total control from the security service, low wages, and a sudden police raid with dogs right in the middle of a work shift.
According to employees, inspections of workplaces and premises have become more frequent. They claim that during inspections, personal belongings and even refrigerators are searched.
Workers said that on June 9, the inspection was particularly harsh: during the shift, police officers with service dogs entered the plant premises. At that time, workers were in the workshops and production areas.
This was the last straw that forced NDFZ LLP employees to voice complaints to the plant management.
NDFZ LLP responded that the mass gathering of workers was unauthorized and took place without notifying management or state bodies. The inspections with dogs were conducted as part of the "Kara Sora" operational preventive measure against drug trafficking.
At the same time, management stated that there were no objective grounds for the protests, but they are ready for dialogue and resolving workers' issues within the law.
Despite the protests, the plant continues to operate normally.
The parent structure of NDFZ is KAZ Chemicals, registered in the Astana International Financial Centre. The ultimate controlling party of the company is Kazakhstani entrepreneur Vladimir Kim.
In the global ranking of the richest people according to Forbes, Vladimir Kim ranks 705th with $5.7 billion.
Also among the founders of the plant are two sons of former Majilis speaker Nurlan Nigmatulin — Nurkhan and Nurzhan Nurlanov.
Earlier, Kursiv reported that the Forbes billionaire's phosphate plant turned a profit after significant losses.