MINSK, 19 June (BelTA) – Trade unions should take an active part in the forthcoming harvesting campaign. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the request as he heard out a report from Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus Yuri Senko, BelTA has learned.
Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “The harvesting campaign has virtually started. I heard out a report from the Brest Oblast governor today. He has already started gathering in winter barley in some places. Trade unions have always participated in this process and provided relevant aid and support. I’d like you to provide first and foremost assistance, support and involvement of trade unions in this work instead of some observation and oversight functions. We have plenty of oversight agencies.”
The president recalled his previous work in agriculture: “Trade unions were always my right hand. Particularly in agriculture. And we worked together to organize meals and maintenance [of machines and vehicles] during the harvesting period.”
The president also gave instructions to keep an eye on the payment of wages so that workers would have no reasons to complain.
While talking to reporters after the meeting, Yuri Senko remarked that trade union workers are constantly present and work at agricultural sites. A lot of attention is paid to this area of work during the harvesting season. Efforts are poured into preventing occupational traumas. The availability of individual protective gear is controlled. “Unfortunately, virtually the other day a worker of an enterprise died due to poor-quality individual protective gear. All of us have to make very clear and tough conclusions regarding the continuation of the work and oversight over the situation. Technical and legal inspectors of the trade unions will constantly keep an eye on this matter,” the FTUB chairman said.
