Trade unions must play a greater role in the social protection system - A. Lukashenko

Alexander Lukashenko stressed that the economy's growth needs to be given a more powerful impetus. Over the five-year period, it is planned to increase the gross domestic product by almost 1.7 times, the number of new jobs by more than a third, and to ensure a cardinal increase in labor productivity. It is on this basis that forecasts for a significant increase in wages and real incomes of the population as a whole are based. "The priority task of the authorities is to ensure that people's quality of life is in no way inferior to the quality of life in the leading countries of the world," he stated. "We are not building castles in the air, we are not inventing loud populist slogans to please people. Believe me, there is nothing behind such attractive headlines. When they promise to reduce taxes and increase wages, pensions, and scholarships tenfold, you don't need to be an economist to understand the groundlessness of such statements. This is a complete falsehood," said Alexander Lukashenko. "Millions of new jobs" sounds very beautiful, of course. Only the authors of such ideas remain silent about the fact that they plan such an "increase" by reducing existing jobs. Who, tell me, needs such a smoke screen? And millions of new jobs mean hundreds of billions of dollars. If someone has them, then it can be believed," he added. "I would like to do everything quickly: give people higher wages, raise scholarships, and provide free housing for everyone who wants it. All these years, the authorities have been honest with the people and have only undertaken commitments that they were confident they could fulfill," emphasized the head of state. The President is convinced that the country has prerequisites to "do more and better." "We are moving towards this, but gradually, according to our capabilities," he said. The head of state stressed that Belarus strives for its economy to develop dynamically and be attractive to both domestic and foreign investors. The country is focusing on maximizing entrepreneurial initiative and using the best world experience to improve management efficiency in all sectors and at all enterprises. "Modernization of the economic system, transition to a higher technological level of production, widespread introduction of innovations in all spheres – all this is designed to ensure an increase in the competitiveness in the world not only of Belarusian products but also of our country as a whole," said the President."I have firmly decided and determined for myself that if we are to continue working: so that you, the producers, the businesspeople, the entrepreneurs, do not reproach the state – we will give you full freedom in the coming five-year period to manage your own funds. That is, you produce, you pay taxes, mandatory payments, you have money – divide it and live," the Head of State said. In case of objective difficulties, the state will help, but "it will not drag anyone on its shoulders." "Work and be accountable to your work collectives, and I will ensure that fundamental rights are observed: the right to work and a decent salary. That's all. And then the appeals will disappear: 'Alexander Grigoryevich, give us money, raise salaries, etc.'," the President continued. He noted that the state will focus on the public sector. At the same time, the policy will not be structured in such a way that public servants' incomes and salaries become detached from the people. "If you want more – optimize your staff. You have the headcount, we will not take away your positions. Instead of a hundred or 110 people in the district executive committee, leave 70, perform the same functions, and take the remaining 40 positions – and use them to pay people more. We will not be cruel here and cut salaries. But we will adhere to the level and the bar of fairness that should be," the President said. Alexander Lukashenko emphasized: "From next year, seek your happiness at your enterprises. We will control, demand strictly, and will be on the side of the work collectives, but remember the immutable truth: in order to have something in your pocket, you must work." The Head of State also touched upon the issues of finding alternative ways to supply energy resources to Belarus. In his opinion, work in this direction should be carried out more energetically. He stressed that the task of rational and extremely economical use of energy and other material resources is becoming increasingly relevant. Current trends of rising costs necessitate the search for alternative sources and new markets. Economic security and the preservation of the state's real sovereignty depend on this. Belarus is already finding optimal solutions to emerging problems in these areas. "But they need to be developed more energetically, our export potential needs to be increased, and trade and economic ties need to be diversified," Alexander Lukashenko emphasized.According to the President, he is aware of the critical attitude of some people towards the statistical information that our country, one of the few in the world, has slightly increased its GDP during the crisis. This year, the government has been tasked with achieving GDP growth of 10-11%. "The question arises: why, with such good growth, are we still not so rich? Firstly, we are growing in GDP in areas where there are no super-profits and super-incomes. If there were 12% growth in the gas and oil industry, we would have huge dividends because there are huge profits there," said the head of state. He also added that production is too costly, and in some areas, the share of energy resources in the cost of production reaches 80%. Therefore, Alexander Lukashenko emphasized, a tough decision was made to seek an alternative. "If we don't find an alternative, it won't be us gathering in this hall, and it won't be us calling the tune. They will tell us, as they have for decades before us, how to live, in which direction to move, and with whom to fight, to be frank," he said. "Therefore, we need to find an alternative, especially since it exists." However, even in these searches, Belarus faces obstacles. "The search is very complex, difficult. And we seem to have found it, but everyone who doesn't want this alternative today stands in the way. For example, we have found ways for cheap oil and gas supplies to Belarus, say, through the Baltics. And here, the well-known external lever is activated: 'Do not allow!' Especially since the existing gas and oil pipelines of the Soviet Union are, as you know, in whose hands. The pipes are empty, they simply don't work, they are blocked for the supply of hydrocarbon raw materials to Belarus," the head of state noted. Therefore, in his opinion, "one should not rely on what exists." "Therefore, the task is set: we must build our own pipelines, but we must get rid of dependence if we want to be a state," he stressed. "If we don't want to be a state and want to be constantly kicked, bent over, and told what to do and where to go, then we can not do this. After all, it is very expensive. Independence and sovereignty are very expensive," the President added. He also emphasized: "The task of our generation is to ensure life and prosperity for current and future generations on this piece of land." The President specifically noted that in Belarus, the issues of ensuring employment and social protection of citizens are always prioritized, regardless of the economic situation.Alexander Lukashenko pointed out that, despite the negative impact of the global crisis and the sharp deterioration of the market for energy and other resources, Belarus has managed to ensure steady economic growth, preventing a decline in production and mass unemployment. Positive economic development dynamics, stability, and public tranquility have been and remain characteristic features of Belarus, distinguishing it favourably within the post-Soviet space. According to the Head of State, the joint work of government bodies with trade unions and work collectives has largely contributed to this. The President recalled that the country faces challenging tasks in the future. "For the successful implementation of such large-scale goals, the consolidation of Belarusian citizens and the unification of efforts and resources of the state and society are required," he believes. At the same time, as experience shows, it is primarily necessary to rely on oneself, one's reserves and capabilities, establishing exemplary order in all national affairs, while not discarding any opportunity to strengthen mutually beneficial relations with strategic partners. The Federation of Trade Unions is set to play a leading role in the country's renewal process. "At this stage, the federation, as one of the most mass-based and patriotic organisations, must clearly define: what you can give to the state, where you will lend support, and what sphere of responsibility you will undertake," said Alexander Lukashenko. He sees the most important aspect of constructive, truly partnership relations between the authorities and public organisations not in isolation, but in the joint resolution of strategic socio-economic development tasks for the country. "Remember, at the fifth congress of the Federation of Trade Unions, when the main directions of socio-economic development for 2005-2010 were discussed, ambitious goals were set. We planned that the gross domestic product would increase by 50%, the average wage would reach $500 in equivalent terms, and the poverty level would be halved. At that time, it seemed like a very high bar and was perceived sceptically by many. But we have achieved these milestones, despite all the difficulties presented by the global economy, and, frankly, not only by it," the President said.

In the future, the state will pay significantly more attention to public associations and parties. "If the people and God allow us to work in our respective capacities, we will communicate significantly more in the new five-year period," said Alexander Lukashenko, addressing those present. He also identified that he had previously paid less attention to this issue as one of the significant shortcomings of his work.

The Head of State recalled that at one time the thesis was put forward that councils, trade unions, youth, veteran, and women's organizations are the foundation of civil society. "And there is no need to invent and throw theses at us from abroad about what civil society should be and how it should be understood. We will understand it according to the situation developing in our country, and we will formulate these things in such a way as not to destroy peace and stability in our state," he stressed.

Alexander Lukashenko believes that public associations and political parties should independently determine their development paths. "I am not against party building, normal opposition parties, not against some leading party, but this should be determined by life itself. All this should crystallize from life," said the Head of State.

"In the future, we will definitely pay more attention to public organizations and parties in terms of bringing order to this, if we speak plainly, both in terms of regulations and organization," the Belarusian leader summed up.

At the same time, the President believes that trade unions should not engage in populism under any circumstances. "By their nature, trade unions are called upon to perform many functions, sometimes diametrically opposed," he said. "On the one hand, it is necessary to strive to satisfy all the needs of the workers. On the other hand, constructive, I would even say diplomatic relations must be built with the employer in order to find optimal solutions to problems, and if necessary, to compromise. And, most importantly, when raising any issue, you must realistically assess the economic situation in the country. And under no circumstances engage in populism."

"We have already gone through this in our history," the Head of State continued. "Then the activities of trade unions had nothing to do with the real protection of the rights of working people, but were aimed at satisfying the interests of the organization's leadership."

The most important task of trade unions is to ensure a balance of interests, to foster an atmosphere of partnership rather than confrontation within work collectives. According to the President, the main work of trade unions is carried out in work collectives. "Both during economic difficulties and during modernisation, the collective is invariably in turmoil. In the first case, it's due to problems; in the second, it's due to a lack of understanding of their future after production renewal," stated Alexander Lukashenko. This is precisely why trade unions must ensure a balance of interests. "People must be aware of the prospects for their industries and enterprises, as well as their personal prospects and their place within the enterprise. There must be a constant dialogue between the employer and employees. And this, too, is the business of trade unions," he believes. The President demanded the unwavering and unconditional observance of labour legislation, regardless of the form of ownership. "It is not enough to provide people with work; we must also take care of protecting their interests as workers. Therefore, the unconditional observance of labour legislation must become a way of life," Alexander Lukashenko is convinced. At the same time, cases of delayed wage payments and violations of labour protection conditions are still frequently encountered. In the opinion of the Head of State, the control function of trade unions is in demand here more than anywhere else. "No matter how we are accused of being archaic, we have preserved the system of trade union public control. Moreover, trade unions are the only public structures that have retained such powers," he emphasised. "Trade unions have effective legal and technical labour inspectorates, and public labour protection inspectors." This is precisely why the state is entitled to expect trade unions to effectively combat violations of legislation. "However, in doing so, you often get carried away with controlling the employer and forget that trade unions equally bear the responsibility for ruthlessly countering indiscipline among workers themselves, their non-compliance with labour protection rules, and drunkenness," believes Alexander Lukashenko.He also stressed the importance of trade unions being the sole entities authorised to exercise public control, even in organisations where their members are not present. "This is particularly relevant in the current environment, as we are pursuing economic liberalisation and simplifying business operations," the Head of State stated. Unfortunately, private employers sometimes cut corners on employees, fail to create safe working conditions, withhold wages, and dismiss staff without cause. "Trade unions must protect all working people," he emphasised. The President also believes that trade unions should assert themselves more confidently in the business environment by introducing the principles of social partnership. In his opinion, trade unions are significantly underperforming in matters of occupational safety and reducing workplace injuries. "We talk a lot about lofty ideals and innovations. But sometimes we remain silent about the fact that workplace injuries remain one of the main causes of fatalities in our country. It seems absurd in the 21st century to have such a situation," the Head of State remarked. In the first eight months of this year alone, 152 people died and around 500 were injured as a result of industrial accidents. Often, fatalities are caused by employees being at work under the influence of alcohol. The President believes that, as a rule, the role of trade union organisations is limited to recording facts, while purposeful work to identify and eliminate the underlying causes is absent. In his speech, Alexander Lukashenko focused on the need to implement a comprehensive set of effective measures for the material and moral support of families. "The scope of a trade union's responsibility extends not only to the employee but also to their family, because one can only work productively if they know that everything is in order at home," he said. He stressed that the state has never economised on families. This is evidenced by the facts. In particular, the current benefits system covers approximately half a million children, nearly 45,000 children under the age of two receive free nutrition, and over 19,000 families with children receive targeted assistance. "No state, however wealthy, can afford such provisions," the President stated. All of this has contributed to a certain stabilisation of the demographic situation. However, according to Alexander Lukashenko, "it is too early to rest on our laurels, and we must move forward."

The President considers it necessary to adjust the housing program, taking into account that the demographic problem needs to be addressed in the country. "If we continue not to ensure a positive population growth, we will not exist as a state," he said. "We need at least 30 million people, and we don't even reach 10 million. What is 10 million for such a territory?".

"Some steps have already been taken in this direction, but it is not enough. A more principled approach is needed to solve this issue. If a third child appears in a family, then here is an apartment. And, perhaps, for 25% of its cost, or maybe for free," the President said. Only with adequate financial incentives can this problem be solved, he is convinced. Currently, for most Belarusian families, having two children is the norm, but deciding to have a third child is already quite difficult. "The state must help families. Three children in a family is already a significant population increase. And if we concentrate resources on assisting families with the birth of a fourth and fifth child, it will help solve the demographic problem," noted Alexander Lukashenko.

He also demanded special attention be paid to the problem of social orphanhood. According to him, the situation has significantly improved in recent years. In particular, the number of children in socially dangerous situations has decreased. The state has forced negligent parents to work and pay for the maintenance of their children. Currently, they pay approximately 60% of the expenses for child maintenance. And many of them start a normal life, and children return to their families. According to Alexander Lukashenko, a comprehensive review of the situation in this area will be conducted in the near future.

The Belarusian leader believes that the harshest measures should be applied to parents who have abandoned their children. Trade unions should also contribute to solving the problem of social orphanhood, at least in terms of monitoring families in difficult circumstances.

An important task is the resettlement of children from boarding schools to family-type children's homes. This must be completed within the next five-year period, emphasized Alexander Lukashenko, adding that the state will provide all possible support to such children's homes.

The Belarusian leader also touched upon the topic of adjusting other state programs. In Belarus, the approach to the program for the revival of the village will be fundamentally changed, taking into account modern requirements.

"The program for the revival and development of the village will be continued, but it will be radically revised," emphasized Alexander Lukashenko. According to him, in the agricultural sector, "we have clearly defined what and where we will produce, and in which direction to move." In the future, the program and support for the agro-industrial complex will be structured so as not to reduce the level of technical equipment in the industry. "We will maintain the technical equipment of farms at the highest level," said the President. He recalled that the state has invested a lot of funds in creating the necessary technical base in rural areas, and the return should be appropriate. "In March-April of next year, we will ask about the equipment, we will see what condition it is in," warned Alexander Lukashenko. "We have provided all the necessary conditions for the development of agriculture, including in terms of equipment. Now move forward in the chosen direction," he stressed. "In the future, our funds will go to innovative projects, the creation of state-of-the-art enterprises." The President noted that the country should achieve self-sufficiency in goods, and then there will be no negative balance of payments. Alexander Lukashenko also announced that the issue of implementing the program for the creation of agro-towns and the introduction of relevant social standards there will be considered in the near future. He paid special attention to the topic of supporting pensioners. In Belarus, the issue of the possibility of recalculating pensions, especially the lowest ones, will be worked out in the near future, the head of state stated, emphasizing that the support of pensioners, who constitute more than a quarter of the country's population, is a special concern of the state. For most of them, a pension is the only source of income. "And as wages grow, we will increase it. In the near future, we will work out the issue of the possibility of recalculating pensions, especially the lowest ones," he said. According to the President, enterprises should provide more assistance to their pensioners and veterans. "Everyone likes to compare our pensions with Western ones. But there, a large part of pension income consists of corporate pensions," he emphasized. "Therefore, if possible, include relevant provisions in collective agreements, participate in supplementary insurance programs."Alexander Lukashenko stated that Belarus will not increase the retirement age in the near future: "We do not need to raise the retirement age, because our pensioners, if they have the opportunity, still work. Here we must support them. Let them work if they want to. The second question arises: they receive a pension and a salary." In this regard, the President noted that pensions in the country are not high at all. "So why break spears?" he believes. "If people want to work, let them work, as it is a good addition to their pension, and this should be supported," said the head of state. He stated that all talk about increasing the retirement age should be stopped once and for all, and assured that Belarus will not increase the retirement age in the near future. "The state can currently afford to withstand this. If it becomes difficult, other programs and projects will be cut, but the pension fund will always be provided for," the President stated. Alexander Lukashenko also noted that the state will take care of families raising children with disabilities who have not shifted the responsibility for them onto the shoulders of the state. He also touched upon the topic of salary increases: "It is especially being discussed, I wanted to say to the oppositionists, they are not oppositionists at all - they are enemies of the people. Wherever they can make things worse for the state, they are there. They say, 'now it's the presidential campaign and they will increase salaries and pensions.' But over the five-year period, moving towards the set goal of an average salary of $500 in the country, we have addressed this issue 18 times. We did this gradually and systematically, so the next increase will be the 19th time." The President also noted that he hesitated whether it was worth increasing salaries now: "I am afraid that they will say that you are buying people - this is the most terrible thing. I do not need such a presidency if people think that I am playing games with them. On the contrary, you see, I am setting tasks strictly now. I treat the government strictly, and I treat people strictly." He continued: "We thought we would exceed the average salary level of $500, but this crisis has brought us down so much that we are scraping by. But we must fulfill our promise." At the same time, Alexander Lukashenko expressed the opinion that it is necessary to raise the lower salary threshold to $200.In his opinion, trade unions serve as a kind of indicator of public opinion. "In other words, you must be at the forefront of working with citizens' appeals," said the Belarusian leader. He expressed his conviction that trade unions should pay more attention to this issue. The Head of State noted that today the role, place, and status of trade unions have significantly changed. Social partnership has been highly developed in the state. "The results speak for themselves," he noted. "Councils for labour and social issues have been established and are actively operating at all levels. Their number has doubled compared to 2003." The number of sectoral and local collective agreements and collective contracts is growing. Currently, 530 agreements and over 18,000 collective contracts have been concluded in the republic. The use of new organisational approaches has ensured the effective constructive work of the National Council for Labour and Social Issues. Through this council, trade unions participate in resolving all key issues and problems in the socio-labour sphere. General agreements are concluded on a regulatory basis between the government, trade unions, and republican associations of employers. As the President emphasised, during their conclusion, "heated debates sometimes flare up, but the main thing is that a compromise is always found." Alexander Lukashenko highlighted the importance of the fact that collective bargaining regulation of labour relations has become widely used in recent years. The role of such dialogue between employers and employees has significantly increased. As a result, many issues are resolved directly within work collectives. The President considers it important that all disputes and working conditions are resolved at the level of a contract or agreement. "Without this, there will be neither discipline at the enterprise nor normal differentiated wages," he said. In his opinion, concluding employment contracts is "a very powerful tool for managers." "I want this tool to be powerful for ordinary workers as well. And for this to happen, it must be under the control of trade unions," added Alexander Lukashenko. At the same time, he warned against populism: "It is necessary to conduct an open dialogue; if a manager violates something, they should be told about it; if an employee does, they should also be told." According to the Head of State, "a 25-30% increase in absolutely all areas can be achieved through the elementary observance of discipline and organisation, plus resource savings."The President also noted that "the contract system will exist in Belarus, but people must be protected and supported." He considers the labour contract a civilized form of relationship between an employee and an employer. Speaking about remuneration, Alexander Lukashenko noted: "A high standard of living for Belarusian citizens is not just a goal, it is the meaning of all state policy pursued. In September, the salaries of employees in the social sphere, as well as young specialists sent to work under distribution in state-funded organizations, have already been increased in the country. From November 1, the minimum wage will be increased, which will significantly strengthen the social security of all employees. In the future, wage increases in Belarus will be carried out gradually. "For example, they say that salaries in Europe are much higher than in Belarus. We are, in principle, ready to pay $1000. But let's agree that we will pay in full for utilities, healthcare, and education. But even a thousand dollars will not be enough if our people pay for all this without subsidies," the President said. He recalled that today in our country, the coverage of utility costs by the population is only 34%. At the same time, more than $1 billion is allocated annually from the budget to compensate for the remaining 66%. "We can distribute this money. But what about education and healthcare? For example, in Europe, a poor person cannot even think about education. All this costs much more than utility services," the head of state emphasized. "We have developed such a system. We can switch to another one, but the experience of other countries shows that not everything goes smoothly," he said. "Therefore, until we refine this system, and our economy grows twofold, we will be able to freely pay people good salaries. We will move gradually, without any revolutions." Touching upon employment issues, Alexander Lukashenko noted that Belarus needs highly qualified personnel in blue-collar professions. Currently, it is no longer enough to simply talk about employment. It is necessary to work on ensuring economically effective employment.Today, some Belarusian enterprises face a pressing issue of surplus labour, while simultaneously experiencing a shortage of skilled workers and specialists. "It is necessary for the qualifications of job applicants to meet the employer's requirements. Not everyone can be a lawyer, economist, or manager. We need highly qualified personnel in blue-collar professions. And this is a significant deficit," the President emphasized. Recently, a trend of declining attractiveness of blue-collar professions among youth has emerged in Belarus. In this regard, the Head of State believes that trade unions should find their niche in addressing this issue. For example, he proposed creating an information database of job vacancies, assisting with employment in general, and specifically with finding the first job for young specialists. The President also touched upon the issue of unemployment in the country. "We will provide financial support to citizens who are temporarily unemployed. But we will 'tighten up' this system, the so-called unemployment benefits," he said, explaining that currently, the number of vacancies in Belarus exceeds the number of unemployed. "Therefore, go to work," said Alexander Lukashenko. He noted that there are currently certain citizens who find it beneficial to "sit on benefits." "We see all of this, and we will gradually 'tighten up' this system. But we will support those who have found themselves in difficult situations and cannot find employment for a while. The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and the government will have to work in this direction in the near future," the Head of State stressed. Summing up the meeting, Alexander Lukashenko stated: "Belarus is constantly reproached for not observing human rights. It would seem that an immunity against these groundless accusations should have been developed by now, but each time you think how absurd it sounds in relation to a country where unemployment is at the level of statistical error," he emphasized, recalling that, for example, unemployment in Spain currently exceeds 20%, in the USA it is more than 10%, while in Belarus it is only 1%. After his speech, the President answered questions from trade union workers and wished them successful work for the benefit of their native Belarus. -0-

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