Lukashenko believes that the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus should intensify its work

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko believes that the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus should intensify its work. This was discussed on December 2nd at a meeting between the head of state and the Chairman of the FTUB, Mikhail Orda, BELTA was informed by the press service of the Belarusian leader.

According to the head of state, the Federation of Trade Unions has managed to maintain a certain balance. "Despite the positive role that trade unions have played and continue to play, they have been and will be subjected to various kinds of attacks from both the left and the right, and there will naturally be many dissatisfied people. But our trade unions have always taken a firm, constructive, and objective stance: if the employer is at fault, they must answer; if the employee is at fault, they must also answer. Because populism and pandering lead to nothing good," the President noted.

"Nevertheless, there is still a certain detachment, I feel it and I am being informed about it, of trade union leaders from work collectives. In modern conditions, without trade unions, it's impossible to move forward, especially for me, as these are my people, my voters, and I am forced to seek organizations that will help me in the current situation, protect the interests and rights of our people. This is without any smirks or hints. Indeed, this is very important," said Alexander Lukashenko.

"Therefore, it is necessary to organize work as you once worked with the youth in those difficult times. You need to be closer to the people. You have all the necessary resources. I would like you to visit enterprises more often, especially those with problems, to delve into the situation, assess it objectively, and act," added the head of state. Leaders of various levels within the Federation of Trade Unions also need to shake themselves up and start working.

The President expects support from the FTUB in implementing the decree on the responsibility of managers. "We will give managers additional rights, but there will also be the strictest accountability from them. In this situation, trade unions should find their place and help me monitor how this decree is implemented and ensure that we do not make mistakes. Because executive discipline is non-existent: among workers, peasants, mid-level specialists, top management, and leaders. It does not satisfy me!" the head of state emphasized.

"However, everything must be fair," noted Alexander Lukashenko.

The President touched upon the organisation of trade union movements in private enterprises. He recalled that he had once discussed their creation with the former head of the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus (FTUB). "Trade unions must exist there. They are not established everywhere," said Alexander Lukashenko. "I constantly warned that everyone is equal: state-owned and private. Therefore, we need to more actively engage in the final formation of trade union organisations in the private sector. We have quite a few problems there too. While we have focused our attention and keep under review the situation at state-owned enterprises, we often encounter problems there (in the private sector), and people need support and protection." The Head of State added that he does not mean people who do not want to work. According to him, measures will always be found for them.

Furthermore, the President noted the need to complete the process of updating the material base of the Federation of Trade Unions. He drew attention to the fact that the income of the FTUB also depends on the state of its material base. Sports schools and clubs, which have been preserved in Belarus, have always operated under the Federation of Trade Unions, and they should function properly.

"With this, we will go to the congress of trade unions. This is your exam before the trade union members, but partly also my exam, because they constitute the overwhelming majority of my voters," said the President.

The meeting discussed the entire spectrum of issues of concern to citizens, including wages, social protection of workers, and assistance to young families.

News of Belarus (BELTA)