In June 1995, employees of the National Library of Georgia went on strike. Their demands included salary increases, the right to free public transportation, and access to food supplies delivered through humanitarian aid. According to library director Akaki Dzidziguri, striking was the only way to draw the government’s attention. He also warned that if the demands were not met, the library might be forced to close.

On June 15, the library staff temporarily suspended the strike until July 1, after a parliamentary commission was formed to attempt to resolve the problems.