MINSK, 5 August (BelTA) – Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko held a working meeting with Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus (FTUB) Mikhail Orda on 5 August, BelTA has learned.
Top on the agenda were three topics. These are the formation of primary trade union organizations in the private sector, the reaction of trade unions to the sanctions policy, and assistance in the harvest campaign.
The head of state asked about the progress in the formation of primary trade union organizations in the private sector and stressed that this issue had been raised several times.
“The formation of primary organizations, first of all, at private companies is a topical issue. If some people have not realized that, it means that the government should immediately discuss these issues and put forward concrete proposals all the way down to phasing out private companies that refuse to open trade union organizations,” the president stressed.
Aleksandr Lukashenko also spoke about the reaction of the FTUB to sanctions pressure. “I want to thank you and our trade unions for the efforts to counteract sanctions. It is good that you organized people, and the voices of not only trade union leaders but also of our workers were heard internationally,” the head of state said. “Well done.”
“Thousands and thousands of people wanted to have their say. This is good,” the Belarusian leader said. In his opinion, such a massive reaction of people to sanctions pressure will definitely give results.
Besides, the president and the FTUB head discussed the progress in the harvest campaign and the assistance of trade unions in the process. “Sanctions are sanctions, but if our children are well prepared for the new school year, if our people have enough foodstuffs, everything will be fine,” the head of state said. He remarked that the harvest campaign in Belarus is taking place in special weather conditions, and trade unions should provide necessary assistance to farmers just like they do every year. “In August we are always pressed for time, and the weather tests our firmness and resolution. We must take care of our farmers. First of all, they need salaries, catering and so on. This is what trade unions usually do,” the Belarusian leader said.
