On November 8, 2012, around 1,300 municipal bus drivers in Tbilisi went on strike, completely halting bus service across the city. The drivers presented a multi-point plan demanding improved working conditions and higher salaries. They also called for better hygiene facilities at final stops, bonus compensation for their work during the August 2008 war, and reimbursement for vacation days lost after the 2009 merger of the metro and bus companies.

The protest ended on November 12 without any of the issues being resolved. The drivers decided to suspend the strike “out of respect for the public,” following a meeting in Parliament with Soso Jachvliani, the MP representing Gldani. Bus service resumed in Tbilisi on November 13. The ruling party in the City Council, the United National Movement, stated that the city government could not meet the drivers’ demand for salary increases but would address the other concerns.