Lukashenko on calls for strikes at enterprises: if we stop, we will never develop our production

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko commented on attempts to destabilize workforces in the country and warned that strikes could have a very negative impact on the future operations of enterprises. He stated this today at a meeting on the performance of the construction industry, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.

"To begin with, I am alive and not abroad, as some of our respected "Svyadomyya" [nationalists] are promoting: the President has left the country and is abroad. Today is the 14th, we are meeting to discuss the work of the construction industry," the head of state noted at the beginning of the meeting.

Alexander Lukashenko stated that attempts are currently being made to destabilize workforces in the country. "You know this well, you feel it. Of course, workforces are the foundation of our country. You knew and know my position. During the pandemic, when I practically forbade dismissing people, throwing them out onto the street. It's hard, it's difficult, and it's not easy now either. Well done to the builders, their situation is simpler, they are all busy with work. But nevertheless, they are trying to destabilize the builders too, and so on. Our position is unequivocal: we did not bend anyone, did not force anyone during the difficult times of the pandemic. And here too, we must not hold anyone back. If people want to work – please. Here is the work, come and work. If a person doesn't want to work, we won't drag them in by a rope," the President noted.

The head of state spoke about the possible consequences of strikes using specific examples. In the case of "Belaruskali," if this normally functioning enterprise were to be stopped for several days, it would benefit its main competitors in Russia and Canada. "If they strike for two days, then the competitors – Russians and Canadians – will cross themselves [in relief]. And they will quickly supply the market with what they want to supply," said Alexander Lukashenko.

The same applies to the operations of machine-building enterprises such as MTZ, MAZ, and others. "For God's sake. If you don't produce 10 tractors today and don't put them on the market, tomorrow the Germans will come with the Americans, and the Russians will bring their equipment. They will also cross themselves," the President noted.

He stressed that the global economy is only beginning to recover after pandemic-related restrictions. "And everyone is fighting for these markets. If we stop, we will never boost our production. Never! They will push us into this swamp. People need to be explained this: if you want to strike, strike; if you want to work, work."

"As I was informed, there was an example at MAZ or MTZ: about 20 people decided to express their opinion, dropped their work and left. The deputy production manager said: 'Okay, go ahead, guys, I have enough people, all this salary belongs to these people.' They turned around and went back to work," the head of state noted.

"People need to be told that this is their only chance to save the enterprise. By saving the enterprise, you will feed your family. You can walk on the street. Look, thousands are walking there. You can join them, walk around. But if they give you money there, it will be for two days. Some are being paid extra. We know them, we have shown them. Well, they will give it for two days. And then what?" Alexander Lukashenko remarked.

"This is the position from which we should approach people, including in the construction industry. Because construction workers are an advanced, militant people. But they need to have their eyes opened to what will happen later. Our construction workers have constantly been in a swamp. We have pulled them out, for the umpteenth time, by the ears. Orders have appeared, work has appeared, production growth has appeared – work," the President summarized.