OREANDA-NEWS. On 20 February 2009 was announced, that 11 continuous mining teams, 3 technological plant shifts, and 6 technological shifts of the loading facilities have won Uralkali’s annual “Working Millions” contest. These teams achieved the highest production results and performed within Uralkali’s labor, production, and technological guidelines. The total bonus pool of the winners was around 6 million rubles; this was divided between more 500 employees from the underground and surface production facilities. Renumerations ranged from 10% to 50% of employees’ average monthly salary.

Uralkali has held the "Working Millions" production contest, in which subdivisions compete against each other, since 2004. The aim of the contest is to stimulate the growth of labor productivity of the continuous mining teams and the technological shifts at Uralkali's plants and loading facilities.

This year’s contest took account of the performance results for the 10 months of last year, as opposed to the normal 12, due to Uralkali downsizing its production plans for November and December.

Vladimir Shanin, Production Director, Uralkali:

"The results of the production contest have confirmed the huge potential and commitment of our employees. For instance, two continuous mining teams working at the heavy-duty continuous mining facilities achieved the record-breaking result of producing more than 600 thousand tonnes of ore per combine. This is a significant improvement on 2007. I commend the winning teams for their excellent organization, skillful teamwork and incredible working capacity.”

Elena Samsonova, HR Director, Uralkali:

"Even though the company did not implement its annual production plan, 2008 was a year of excellent performance and the company was on track to set a new production record which was interrupted by the economic crisis. Therefore, the company management decided to fully pay annual bonuses to all of its employees and provide well-deserved remunerations to the winners of the "Working Millions" contest. Our employees make a great contribution to the company’s achievements and success, so, despite any difficulties, we are showing our appreciation with deeds, not words."

Uralkali also announced the results of its Labor Culture Contest, whose participants include all the production subdivisions of the Company. According to the Contest Committee, which evaluated organizational levels of the working stations, conditions of the workshop premises, and compliance with the industry’s safety rules, 2008 demonstrated an improvement in Uralkali's production culture. The winners of the Labor Culture Contest included 4th Mining Division and the Department for Storage Distribution. The winner teams were awarded bonuses of 800 thousand rubles.