There will be a virtual solidarity meeting with Belarusian trade unionists on 19 April, 9.30 – 11.00, in framework of “the Day of action for trade union rights and democracy in Belarus”. Meeting is organised by ITUC.
EPSU and the ETUC have written to prime minister Viktor Orbán to protest about draft legislation that undermines the right of public sector trade unions to collect union membership dues by check-off. The draft law is about reducing the administrative burdens of the state but will clearly pose major problems for trade unions and increase their own administration as they take on the task to collect fees. The public sector confederation SZEF along with the four other national confederations are supported by the ETUC and EPSU in calling for the proposals to be withdrawn and for negotiations to
EPSU has joined the ETUC and ITUC in condemning the detention of several leaders of independent trade unions and calling for their immediate release. Those detained include Aleksandr Yarashuk, president of the ITUC-affiliated BKDP; BKDP vice president Sergey Antusevich; Aleksandr Bukhvostov, president of the Free Trade Union of Metalworkers SPM; and Nikolay Sharakh, president of the Free Trade Union of Belarus SPB. Their homes and offices have also been searched. These are the latest in a long line of attacks on the BKDP and its member unions. Labourstart is coordinating a protest campaign.
