News on the topic: labor rights
01.12.2011 Navapolatsk: picket banned four times
Members of the Belarusian Independent Trade Union from the “Naftan” plant have received a fourth ban on holding a picket aimed at informing Navapolatsk citizens about the refusal of the plant administration to conclude a collective agreement with the independent trade union.
14.11.2011 Polatsk: court refuses to consider case at third hearing
The third hearing concerning the financial compensation for extra work, filed by an activist of the Free Trade Union, Mikalai Sharakh, against the administration of the open joint-stock company “Shklovalakno” (“Fiberglass”) took place on 11 November.
11.11.2011 Slonim: workers aren't allowed to establish a free trade union organization
About 20 workers of a workshop of the Slonim cardboard and paper plant “Albiartsin” wrote applications for leaving the official Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus. They decided to create a unit of the Free Trade Union. The reason for such a decision is the failure of the state trade union to solve their problems.
11.11.2011 Maladechna: workers are threatened with dismissal for taking part in People's Assembly
The head of the sawing plant “Yunona”, Uladzimir Ivanou, warned its workers that they were banned from coming to the central square of Maladechna on Saturday, and they would be fired on Monday if they disobeyed. Many workers were surprised at such a ban, but nobody explained anything to them.
08.11.2011 Participant of 19 December protest rally discriminated at work
Stanislau Khaladovich, a machinist of pumping units of the central water supply point of Ivatsevichy, was transferred to the position of a fitter due to the staff reduction.
13.09.2011 Ministry of Justice continues pressurization of lawyers
On 2 September Aliaksandr Pylchanka, Chair of the Minsk City Bar, made an application for the termination of his powers after the Ministry of Justice issued the proposal for the long-term revocation of the lawyer from this position. The discussion of this proposal and the lawyer’s application will take place at the general assembly of the Minsk City Bar on 24 September. It’s worth mentioning that it is not the first time the Ministry of Justice tries to pressurize the head of the Bar.
01.08.2011 Human rights defenders ask for UN Special Rapporteur intervention
Five Belarusian human rights organizations have addressed Gabriela Knaul, UN Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, in connection with the annulment of the licenses to the lawyers who defended figurants of the “19 December mass riot” case.
14.04.2011 Mahiliou builders forced to take part in subbotnik
Subbotniks are a well-known Soviet tradition which is being revived by the Belarusian authorities. Usually they are held on Saturdays and the people who take part in them (usually on “voluntary” basis aren’t paid any money for their work).
13.04.2011 Homel: participant of Uladzimir Niakliayeu’s electoral team has to resign
A Homel resident Volha Liamtsava took an active part in the electoral team of the presidential candidate Uladzimir Niakliayeu during the recent presidential election. He distributed informational leaflets, took part in electoral pickets and observed the election.
15.09.2010 Democratic trade unions not invited to elaboration of general agreement with government
The Congress of the democratic trade unions hasn’t been informed so far about the work on the General Agreement between the government, employer associations and trade unions.
02.09.2010 Ministry of Justice afraid of solidarity fund
The trade union was warned that it can face troubles because of the establishment of the fund of solidarity. The decision about the establishment of the fund for giving financial support to participants of strikes was taken by the Council of the Trade Union on the initiative of the trade union organization of the Lios factory situated in the town of Baran (the Vitsebsk region).
11.05.2010 European Union considers Autukhovich’s case as politically motivated
On 10 May, the UK Embassy, representing the country holding EU presidency, issued a statement concerning the legal proceedings in the case of Mikalai Autukhovich, Uladzimir Asipenka, and Mikhail Kazlou.
06.04.2010 BCD member Viktar Spruzh is not employed for political reasons
The administration of the paper mill Chyrvonaya Zorka refused to employ Viktar Spruzh, a member of the Belarusian Christian Democracy from Chashniki, because of his friendship with independent candidates and journalists.
09.03.2010 Mahiliou: pretender to candidate Mikalai Rasiuk dismissed from work
On 6 March in Mahiliou, pretender to candidate Mikalai Rasiuk was dismissed from work due to the expiry of the labor contract. During the last seven years he worked as an electrician at the open stock company Lausanbud, at construction administration #129. He was informed about the dismissal in a months' advance. Bear in mind that Mikalai Rasiuk had run for the local Soviets of Deputies in 2007. According to the official information, he won about 20% of votes, which was one of the highest official results among the oppositional candidates in Belarus.
05.03.2010 Workers of Belarusian Metallurgic Plant refuse to work
A conflict blazed up at Belarusian metallurgic plant (BMZ) because workers were deprived of bonuses.
