Employees of Araratcement staged a protest outside the factory, saying they were concerned about their future as many have outstanding loans and installment payments. The plant has remained sealed for four days, leaving workers in what they described as forced downtime, Sputnik Armenia reported.

During the protest, the workers opened the factory gates and entered the premises, saying they intended to resume their work.

Protesters said that if the government wanted to appoint a temporary administrator to the plant, it should do so, but employees should be allowed to continue working and not suffer because of the process.

"No one from the government has come to see how these 1,300 workers are supposed to provide for their children tomorrow. Simply shutting everything down is not enough," one protester said.

According to the workers, investigators have been coming and going from the factory, but none of them has answered their questions.

Earlier, acting Director General Artyom Poghosyan said:

"We have appealed to the law enforcement authorities, asking what will happen next, but they have no answer. Essentially, they just had to seal the factory and leave. We have also asked the Investigative Committee to remove the seals so people can return to work and earn a living, but so far we have received no response."

Employees said they all have loans and installment obligations, while their future remains uncertain. According to Poghosyan, the factory has not sold any cement for four days and has received no revenue, making it impossible for now to discuss salary payments.