Trade union rights in Belarus in danger

08.06.2006.

Trade union rights in Belarus in danger

On June 7 the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) released its Annual Survey of Violations of Trade Union Rights, where Belarus is called an encyclopedia of violations of trade union rights. The situation is constantly discussed at various forums, but there are no visible results so far. Lukashenkas government has a reputation of the last dictatorship in Europe, after it introduced criminal punishment for defamation of Belarus (e.g. for witnessing in ILO). The regimes treatment of the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus (FTUB) as a governmental tool is absolutely apparent. Besides, the authorities have introduced special laws admitting of liquidating trade unions with no reasons at all. The new membership quota is so high that none of the trade unions which are not members of the FTUB can take part in a national-level three-party dialogue. Independent trade unions constantly face numerous obstacles and harassments. By the end of the year none of the ILO Commissions recommendations has been met by the Belarusian authorities.