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5 October, 2000The free trade union movement of Belarus needs your support!
BELARUS: On October 3, the IMF appealed for solidarity with the trade unions of Belarus, where the government of Alexander Lukashenko continues its intimidation of the country's free trade union movement. The State is attempting to bring all trade union activities under its own control and limit the rights and freedoms of the trade unions as well as the right of working people to freedom of association.
In a letter of protest to President Lukashenko, the IMF general secretary, Marcello Malentacchi, stated that, as Belarus has ratified all ILO core conventions, including the rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining, "you and your government have a legal and moral obligation to ensure all Belarussian citizens are able to exercise these rights."
Among other protest letters sent to the Belarus president is one from the IMF-affiliated Miners' and Metallurgical Workers' Union of Russia (MMWU). The Central Council of the MMWU writes that "on behalf of 1.2 million members we condemn government activities... to split the trade union movement. We declare our strong protest in connection with the violation of trade union rights and freedom in Belarussia and request you, Mr. President, being the guarantor of law, to take respective measures to put a stop to lawless acts in respect of workers' organisations."
Events to watch very closely are:
- October 10-11: Congress of the Belarus Federation of Trade Unions, in Minsk. The government has been trying to establish its own control over the election process in order to replace the independent trade union leaders.
- October 18-20: International Labour Organisation mission to Belarus, headed by Kari Tapiola, ILO executive director. The mission will consider an official complaint submitted to the ILO by the Belarus trade unions.
- October 19: Massive trade union protest action throughout the country.
Please consult the IMF's news item of October 3, under the associated link, for information on where to write protest letters to the government and solidarity messages to the unions.
In a letter of protest to President Lukashenko, the IMF general secretary, Marcello Malentacchi, stated that, as Belarus has ratified all ILO core conventions, including the rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining, "you and your government have a legal and moral obligation to ensure all Belarussian citizens are able to exercise these rights."
Among other protest letters sent to the Belarus president is one from the IMF-affiliated Miners' and Metallurgical Workers' Union of Russia (MMWU). The Central Council of the MMWU writes that "on behalf of 1.2 million members we condemn government activities... to split the trade union movement. We declare our strong protest in connection with the violation of trade union rights and freedom in Belarussia and request you, Mr. President, being the guarantor of law, to take respective measures to put a stop to lawless acts in respect of workers' organisations."
Events to watch very closely are:
- October 10-11: Congress of the Belarus Federation of Trade Unions, in Minsk. The government has been trying to establish its own control over the election process in order to replace the independent trade union leaders.
- October 18-20: International Labour Organisation mission to Belarus, headed by Kari Tapiola, ILO executive director. The mission will consider an official complaint submitted to the ILO by the Belarus trade unions.
- October 19: Massive trade union protest action throughout the country.
Please consult the IMF's news item of October 3, under the associated link, for information on where to write protest letters to the government and solidarity messages to the unions.