On October 30, 1997, at the initiative of the Primorskii Krai Federation of Trade Unions, more than 250,000 protesters took part in marches in Vladivostok, Nakhodka, Ussuriysk, Arsenev, and other cities in the Far Eastern region of Primorskii Krai. The marchers demanded payment of wage arrears amounting to 1.37 billion rubles ($236 million at the then prevailing exchange rate) and an end to economic reforms that protest organizers claimed had forced 80 percent of the region's population below the poverty level. The demonstrations brought together miners, energy sector workers, teachers, physicians, fishermen, and workers of the municipal housing complex, many of whom were engaged in strikes and lawsuits in addition to the main protest action.

Later that year, on November 13, 1997, the Vladivostok News reported on further demonstrations at which similar demands were expressed: