Eka Cherkezishvili, Tbilisi City Organization leader and the one of ESFTUG members who filed the lawsuit against the union, claims that Ms Kobakhidze has closed Tbilisi City Organization office by reason of financial crisis. She also adds that whilst having conflict inside the organization, member teachers are facing unfair dismissal due to their affiliation to trade union.
In the interview with the newspaper “Kronika” – Eka Cherkezishvili stated that Tbilisi City Organization leaders are unable to fulfil their duties because their office was locked. She added that all documentations were stored in the office and having no access to it, they are unable to provide teachers with legal support. Ms Cherkezishvili said that Marina Mgeladze, who was primary organization leader and teacher at public school #70, had been dismissed from school due to her involvement in union activities. Now she may face criminal charges following school director’s accusation that she had never been primary organization leader of the union. Unfortunately ESFTUG cannot provide necessary evidences and documentations to reject this false allegation.
Maia Kobakhidze refused her responsibility and stated that by the time when Ms Mgeladze was illegally dismissed she had not yet been a president of ESFTUG. According to her, Tbilisi City Organization could not offer legal help to its member and lost the court process. Ms Kobakhidze also claimed that Ms Cherkezishvili and her team hinder union development.