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27 February, 2000Slowly, with lots of difficulty and always on the brink of collapse, Russia is moving.
After my third visit in eight years to this huge country, I have seen some signs of improvement in Russia. At least within the trade union movement changes are taking place, which gives reason for some optimism. But the tunnel is still very long, and the light at the end is far from being in sight.
At the three trade union congresses attended by the IMF delegation just a few days ago, in Moscow, it was reported that the economic and financial situation of the country remains very poor. New measures to alleviate the suffering for the large majority of the Russian people must be taken immediately and firmly, especially to stop a small group of people who continue to exploit the situation of cashing in on more and more money for themselves.
The Mafia and other criminals are, in fact, the major winners in this economic and financial impasse. But Russia is extremely rich in all natural resources, and her human resources are even greater if we consider the very high level of skills which the entire population has acquired.
A few years ago, the labour movement was considered to be the most conservative force in the country. Gorbachev, himself, accused the leaders of the Russian trade unions of being involved in the 1991 putsch. There is no doubt that it took a number of years before the leadership of the trade unions understood the need for a fundamental reform of its structures towards a democratic, representative and independent organisation, which is not part of the State.
The debates at the congresses of the Mine & Metallurgical Workers, the Autoworkers, as well as the Mechanical Engineering Workers have indicated very clearly that things are moving in the right direction. The unions are prepared to do their part, if the government and employers do the same.
This was very clear when the Trade Unions of Russia, the FNPR, met with Vladimir Putin, the acting president of the country, on February 16. Putin stated that the trade unions have an important role to play in the economic, political and social life of the country, and that he would expect the principle of tripartism to be the basis for social dialogue.
One other very good bit of news is the fact that besides the already-affiliated Mine and Metallurgical Workers, both the Autoworkers' Union and the Mechanical Engineering Workers' Union have now decided to apply for membership to the IMF. This means that 1.5 million more metalworkers will soon join our ranks. Also, the FNPR has decided to join the ICFTU.
The trade union movement is really becoming universal. However, we must develop our activities in order to act together as well.
For me, Russia is on the move. Let's help our brothers and sisters in this huge country to keep her going in the right direction.
At the three trade union congresses attended by the IMF delegation just a few days ago, in Moscow, it was reported that the economic and financial situation of the country remains very poor. New measures to alleviate the suffering for the large majority of the Russian people must be taken immediately and firmly, especially to stop a small group of people who continue to exploit the situation of cashing in on more and more money for themselves.
The Mafia and other criminals are, in fact, the major winners in this economic and financial impasse. But Russia is extremely rich in all natural resources, and her human resources are even greater if we consider the very high level of skills which the entire population has acquired.
A few years ago, the labour movement was considered to be the most conservative force in the country. Gorbachev, himself, accused the leaders of the Russian trade unions of being involved in the 1991 putsch. There is no doubt that it took a number of years before the leadership of the trade unions understood the need for a fundamental reform of its structures towards a democratic, representative and independent organisation, which is not part of the State.
The debates at the congresses of the Mine & Metallurgical Workers, the Autoworkers, as well as the Mechanical Engineering Workers have indicated very clearly that things are moving in the right direction. The unions are prepared to do their part, if the government and employers do the same.
This was very clear when the Trade Unions of Russia, the FNPR, met with Vladimir Putin, the acting president of the country, on February 16. Putin stated that the trade unions have an important role to play in the economic, political and social life of the country, and that he would expect the principle of tripartism to be the basis for social dialogue.
One other very good bit of news is the fact that besides the already-affiliated Mine and Metallurgical Workers, both the Autoworkers' Union and the Mechanical Engineering Workers' Union have now decided to apply for membership to the IMF. This means that 1.5 million more metalworkers will soon join our ranks. Also, the FNPR has decided to join the ICFTU.
The trade union movement is really becoming universal. However, we must develop our activities in order to act together as well.
For me, Russia is on the move. Let's help our brothers and sisters in this huge country to keep her going in the right direction.