In Georgia, about 400 social workers went on strike, seeking a 100% pay rise, travel allowance, and health insurance. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection has suggested criteria that social agents do not agree with, and they vow they will continue to fight.

The Ministry of Health announced a pay raises the day before Social Services Agency employees went on strike. Salary increases for social agents and agency staff will begin in February, according to the agency.

“In recent months, as a result of consultations with the Social Services Agency, a decision was made to increase the fixed salary of social agents by 60%, making it 400 lari (about 130 dollars) instead of 250 lari (about 80 dollars) and 700 lari (about 227 dollars) instead of 550 lari (about $180) for a senior social agent. Also, within the framework of visits to families, social agents will receive 10 lari (about 3.2 dollars) instead of 6 lari (about $2) per each completed declaration,” the ministry said in a statement.

The Georgian Social Services Agency is now responsible for more than 125,000 socially vulnerable children.

The charity also assists the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations in addition to children. Through social workers, the system tracks beneficiaries, analyses their problems and needs, and seeks appropriate solutions.