|
Violation of trade union rights in Belarus
Statement to the Sixth European Regional
Meeting of the ILO
(Geneva 12-15 December 2000)
- The workers’ group wishes to draw the attention to the
Sixth European Regional Meeting to the serious violations
of trade unions rights in Belarus. The workers’ group
recalls the complaint submitted to the ILO in June by the
Belarusian trade unions against violations of Conventions
Nos. 87 and 98 by the State. Extensive documentation was
provided to substantiate the complaint, exposing in
particular state interference in trade unions’ internal
affairs and restrictive trade union registration
procedures.
- None of the practices denounced by the Belarusian trade
unions have been stopped. On the contrary, since June, the
Belarusian trade unions have provided additional evidence
about continuing pressure from the state authorities;
attempts to replace trade union leaders through direct and
indirect interference in congress procedures and
intimidation, including blocking of union bank accounts.
Pressure was also brought to bear on enterprise directors
to co-opt them into this process as well as to establish
management controlled company trade unions. Many local
trade union organisations are still denied registration.
Subsequently they cannot operate and represent their
members adequately.
- Attempts by the social partners to engage in a
substantive social dialogue have been disregarded by the
state authorities.
- We ask the state authorities of Belarus to address this
serious situation constructively to ensure full compliance
with the provisions of Conventions Nos. 87 and 98,
ratified by the Government of Belarus, and to fully
respect freedom of association in law and practice.
We ask the Director-General to take all necessary measures
to ensure compliance by the State authorities of Belarus with
the provisions of Conventions Nos. 87 and 98 and to promote
effective collective bargaining and social dialogue.
English Home page
|
