On January 17, 2022, social agents across Georgia went on strike and held a protest rally outside the Ministry of Health, demanding a salary increase. The workers, employed by the Social Service Agency, had been unsuccessfully negotiating with the ministry for more than three years, seeking a 100% pay raise.

The day before the protest, on January 16, the agency announced that salaries would be increased by 60% starting in February. However, the strikers said the proposal was unacceptable and had not been agreed upon. According to the offer, their monthly pay would rise from 250 to 400 GEL, while senior agents’ salaries would increase from 550 to 700 GEL. They would also receive 10 GEL instead of 6 GEL per completed household visit form.

Banners at the protest read: “We are not slaves,” “We are tired of waiting for mercy,” “We demand a decent salary,” and “Equal pay for regions and Tbilisi.”

The striking agents gathered again on January 20 outside the Government Chancellery, demanding a meeting with Health Minister Zurab Azarashvili to present their demands for a 100% wage increase, compensation for transportation expenses, equal pay across regions, paid maternity leave, and a collective agreement with their trade union.

A parallel protest took place in Batumi, outside the Ministry of Health of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, where participants said the ministry ignored their demands and refused dialogue.

On January 22, the organization Solidarity Network announced that the strike had ended through negotiations. The parties agreed to raise salaries by 40–60%, provide transportation, improve bonus procedures, and fully cover paid maternity leave.