The reason was extremely high temperature in the paint shop reaching +37 C! Despite the company’s claim to have installed the conditioning system into the paintshop nothing was done to prepare for hot summer: it is only May but workers have to spend 8 to 10 work hours in steaming heat of paintshop, which in itself is not the most pleasant and healthy place. Today workers’ patience came to an end: they said they won’t return to work until something is done about the heat. That caused quite a commotion among the plant’s management. Even though management and the new director have not yet recognized the workers union, having learned about the work stoppage the bosses were quick to come for negotiations with the striking crew. Afraid that the riot might consume the workshop and spill further they first tried to intimidate the 5 brave workers but failed. Finally after 2 hours of negotiations management promised to launch the “mystic” air conditioning system as soon as possible and not to persecute the 5 for halting the work. The hot Russian summer is full ahead of us. It remains to be seen if management keeps their promise. But if not, well, next time it will be not just 5 workers but much more. People at the plant start to rise up for their rights and dignity. Maybe its time to stop playing games and face the real workers’ issues as the union has been offering since its organizing last summer?