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Mr. Alexander Lukashenko
President
Republic of Belarus
Fax: + 375 - 172 - 26 06 10
E-mail: ires@president.gov.by
Brussels, 9 October 2000
CONTINUED ATTACKS ON UNION RIGHTS IN BELARUS
Mr. President,
I have written to you already on 30 June 2000 to protest against violations
of Conventions No. 87 and 98 of the International Labour Organisation (ILO)
by your government. Also a number of ICEM-affiliated unions around the
world have sent letters to you.
Yet, the new Labour Code remains in force. As documented in a complaint
submitted to the ILO, at least the following provisions in the law violate
freedom of association and free collective bargaining: compulsory
registration procedures sanctioned by liquidation of union organizations,
minimum membership requirement, restrictions on the right to strike, and
discrimination of trade union members. In addition, there has been a
worrying trend of increased interference by the authorities into union
affairs.
Recent events in Yugoslavia have proved that European citizens want to live
in peace and work for a better life in a democratic society. The Belarus
trade union movement has made it very clear that their major concern is the
welfare of their members, the workers of Belarus, through the social and
economic progress of their country, which constitutes an integral part of
Europe and deserves a rightful place in the community of nations.
To achieve this, Belarus has to respect its international commitments. We
demand that your government take urgent measures to ensure the full
observance of ILO standards and democratic trade union rights. The ICEM and
its 400 affiliated unions which represent more than 20 million workers in
120 countries, express their full support to the workers and trade unions in
Belarus, and remain waiting for your action.
Yours Sincerely,
Fred Higgs
General Secretary
- Mr Vladimir Yermoshin, Prime Minister of Belarus, Fax: 375-172-22.66.65
- Mr Vladimir Zametalin, First Deputy Head of the Pres. Administration, Fax:
+375-172-22.66.65
- Mr Gennadij Vorontsov, Minister of Justice, Fax: +375-172-20.97.55
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