Jailed Belarusian union leader wins Arthur Svensson international prize for trade union rights

Aliaksandr Yarashuk, president of the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions (BKDP), vice-president of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), and a member of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Governing Body, is being honoured for his uncompromising defence of workers’ rights and democracy in Belarus.

The prize committee highlighted the absurdity of Yarashuk’s imprisonment, with Frode Alfheim, president of the Norwegian union Styrke and head of the Svensson Committee, stating:

"It is completely absurd that a man who is a member of the ILO Governing Body is currently in prison for standing up for workers' rights. Trade unionism is not a crime."

Yarashuk’s case has become a symbol of resistance and hope for trade unionists globally, as Belarus continues to crack down on civil society. More than 40 trade union leaders and activists have been imprisoned, and all independent unions forcibly dissolved. The regime’s efforts to silence Yarashuk, including labelling him an “extremist,” reflect a dangerous global trend against freedom of expression and association.

Says IndustriALL general secretary Atle Høie:

"The attacks on trade union rights in Belarus are amongst the worst we have seen in modern history. Yarashuk represents everything trade unions stand for and he is willing to fight for it under the worst of oppression."

This is the second time the Arthur Svensson Prize has been awarded to the Belarusian trade union movement. In 2021, the BKDP and its member unions were recognized, but the situation in the country has since deteriorated further.

The Arthur Svensson Prize, awarded annually by Styrke and worth NOK500,000 (US$47,000), will be awarded in Oslo on 11 June 2025. Yarashuk will be honoured either in person or symbolically, depending on his circumstances.

Photo credit: Salidarnast