On February 15, 2016, miners from the Mindeli and Dzidziguri mines in Tkibuli went on strike. They demanded a 40% pay increase—raising their salaries to 1,000 lari—and better working conditions, including warm uniforms for the winter season. According to the miners, they had already raised these issues with the company back in December.

On February 17, the miners received support from Eliso Chapidze, a ruling Georgian Dream party MP representing the region. Two days later, on February 19, the head of the local municipality, Robizon Gwenetadze, also expressed his support.

On the 11th day of the strike, the employer, Saknakhshiri (GIG Group), responded with a press conference, stating its willingness to begin negotiations without ultimatums. However, later that same day—February 26—miners and students stormed the Tkibuli mine administration building.

The strike ended on March 1, after an agreement was reached between the strike committee, the Georgian Trade Unions Confederation, the Ministry of Health, the GIG Group, and the Tkibuli local government. Under the agreement, the company committed to raising wages.