MINERS GO ON STRIKE.

Ignoring a last-minute warning by the chairman of Russia’s national coal-mining body (Rosugol), Russian miners today began an indefinite strike expected to be observed in all of Russia’s 18 coal-producing regions. (1) Strikers are demanding payment of back wages and assurances that the government will continue to subsidize the coal industry in 1996. Rosugol had warned that the strike could bankrupt many mines and cause the loss of thousands of jobs. Meanwhile, teachers in 51 of Russia’s 89 constituent regions and republics continued their three-day strike for payment of salary arrears and improved financial guarantees. (2)

Ex-Im Bank Extends $1 Billion Loan to Aeroflot.