Chinese Workers Protest in Russia Over Unpaid Wages

Hundreds of Chinese construction workers staged a rare public protest in Russia’s Far East, calling on Vladimir Putin to intervene in a wage dispute.

The workers, employed by the Petro-Hehua company, marched through the city near a refinery construction site linked to energy giant Rosneft. According to reports, they have not been paid for their work and are demanding immediate compensation.

Footage circulating online showed protesters carrying signs in Russian and English reading «No money,» «Putin help,» and «Sechin help,» referring to Rosneft chief Igor Sechin. The demonstration appeared to proceed without arrests.

The protest highlights the challenges faced by foreign labourers in Russia, where Chinese workers are often employed on major infrastructure and energy projects to fill labour shortages. When disputes arise, however, they frequently have limited legal recourse.

Following the march, some workers staged a sit-in at a nearby park, continuing their demands for unpaid wages.

Local officials, including Mayor Dmitry Zaplutaev, said talks were underway between the workers and company representatives in an effort to resolve the dispute.

The incident underscores growing tensions around labour conditions on large-scale industrial projects, particularly involving migrant workers in remote regions of Russia.

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