Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 2 May (BelTA) – The Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus (FTUB) must play a big role, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko noted as he met with FTUB Chairman Mikhail Orda on 2 May, BelTA has learned.

“I would like to see our trade unions play a great role. At least, I want you to know what is happening in the labor collectives and protect the interests of our people,” Alexander Lukashenko stressed.

“During this transition period, we have had enough mess over property ownership. You understand the policy of our newly minted entrepreneurs. It is important to see what is really going on in the labor collectives,” the president stressed.

He inquired about the status of trade unions in private organizations. “This is a very important matter,” the head of state underlined.

During the meeting, the sides discussed the modernization of the trade union structure, including the establishment of new grassroots organizations and the reform of the system as a whole. “You know that our trade unions are sometimes called as dependent, independent, state-run, pro-government, and pro-Lukashenko. In fact, every economic sector must have a single trade union. If people want to apply to a so-called independent trade union, we are OK with that. However, we must win over the people,” Alexander Lukashenko believes.

The president asked cooperation between the FTUB and the International Labor Organization. “This matter has been out of the spotlight lately, probably thanks to your interaction. I would like to know if they have any concerns about us in today’s situation, which has changed a lot,” he pointed out.