Four members of Independent Trade Union Join Alena Zakhozhaya in Her Hunger Strike
Vasil Korabau, chairperson of the Belarusian Independent Trade Union, gave the names of the people who decided to join their colleague in a termless hunger-strike. They are Siarhei Hurlo, Ryhor Spasiuk, Siarhei Smirnou, and Mikhal Ustsinovich. He points out that all participants of the protest action work at jobs with occupational hazards. According to Vasil Korabau, administration of Belshyna company, Belnaftahim concern and Babruisk city authorities refuse to discuss the issue of their workers risking injuries or disability: “One mustn’t lead people to such a state of health. There are civilized ways of solving problems”.
According to Vasil Korabau, International Labor Organization decided to send its representative to Babruisk. However, it is Friday tomorrow, and Monday will be the 23rd day of Alena Zakhozhaya’s hunger-strike. She said today: “I want only one thing – to die. And I really want to die before something happens with the guys. I don’t want to see that. I am crying from early morning, and can’t stop. And I don’t drink water. I have very little water in my body. I have cried out a liter already…”
Alena Zakhozhaya explains, she stopped drinking water because of reproaches from the company administration that she was wasting time on drinking water during working hours.
Alena Zakhozhaya has worked at Belshyna company as an electrician for 31 years. On October 3 she began a hunger-strike protesting against discrimination of members of the Belarusian Independent Trade Union by the employer. This is her second hunger-strike. She carried out the first hunger-strike 5 year ago. That strike ended with hospital treatment and implemented demands.
