Georgia: Economic Changes Amid a Political Transition

A strike at the port of Poti on Georgia's Black Sea coast Nov. 1 is the latest in a string of labor protests in Georgia. The strike, which completely suspended shipping and unloading at the port, involved 1,200 workers demanding higher pay and better working conditions. Other economic sectors, including mines, railways and manufacturing, have experienced work stoppages recently. The strikes are symptomatic of a political transition in Tbilisi that could bring about economic changes in the country in the coming months. Changes in Georgia's economic relationship with Russia could occur, too, though they would face political and security constraints.