SOCHI — The International Olympic Committee said more than 6,000 workers from Sochi Olympic construction sites have received their unpaid wages.
Preparations for the Sochi Games were marred by reports that thousands of workers building the venues, mainly laborers from Central Asian republics, were cheated out of their wages and some were underpaid.
Russian authorities originally denied there was a problem but have recently pledged to fine the construction companies in question and repay the workers — even though most of them have already left Russia.
Mark Adams, an IOC spokesman, told reporters on Monday that 6,175 workers have been compensated and some 500 companies were under investigation. Adams said Russian officials are still tracking down all the subcontractors who were cheating workers.
"We are slowly getting there," he said.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.