MINSK, 28 February (BelTA) – It is essential to stabilize enterprises in difficult economic conditions rather than to drive them into bankruptcy, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at the 8th Congress of the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus (FTUB) on 28 February, BelTA informs.
The president emphasized that he had analyzed the issue of bankruptcy and reorganization of enterprises in detail. “And now I am convinced that we should stop any bankruptcy practices and commotion with anti-crisis managers,” he said. In the absolute majority of cases, in his opinion, these procedures do not lead to turnaround and restoration of enterprises. “As a rule, these enterprise [undergoing a bankruptcy procedure] will be destroyed, devastated, and will cease to exist,” the Belarusian leader said.
In this regard, the head of state demanded to strengthen the role of local authorities and engage them in the resolution of problems of enterprises more often. “Why did not you become anti-crisis managers? Why don't you save enterprises? People are working there!” the president addressing workers of executive committees.
Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked that during his working trips to Belarusian regions he visits faltering enterprises, and decisions on possible improvements are sometimes made only after his arrival. “We do not pay attention to these companies until the president comes and gives a thump on the head. Is it normal?” he wondered.
The president mentioned Dobrush Porcelain Factory as an example. He praised the quality of their products. According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, the factory is trying to stay afloat in spite of all difficulties. The head of state instructed the government to step up efforts to save the enterprise.
The head of state expressed confidence that in the majority of cases it is possible to arrange the operation of problem enterprises. There are examples when smart leaders restored enterprises with the assistance of local authorities.
“So I hope that the government and trade unions will join efforts and think about what we can do with bankruptcy. There should be no bankrupt enterprises in Belarus! It affects our people. We spend huge money, fight against crime, people turn to crime, try to make easy money, go out on strikes, we are trying to talk to them and calm them down. Do we need such problems? All our enterprises can work on the market. They can work, and we should help and support them,” the president stressed.
In his words, it is essential to pay special attention to people's employment in case of job cuts. “You know, it happens sometimes when we re-organize enterprises. We provide employment to people, and only then we find out that a mother of three has to spend a lot of time each day commuting to work,” he said.
Trade unions are well aware of the trends and changes on the labor market. They know what specialists are in demand today and will be in demand in the economy in the future. “As far as I can see, they can work in association with the Education Ministry. Highly-qualified specialists are needed for highly-productive jobs with decent salaries. Trade unions have all necessary rights and instruments to arrange that,” the head of state said.
