A. Lukashenko: by the end of the year, the salary in Belarus should reach $500

May 3, Minsk /BELTA/. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko confirms the task to bring salaries in Belarus to the $500 level by the end of 2012. He stated this on May 3 while receiving the Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus Leonid Kozik for a report, BELTA was informed by the press service of the head of state. "For example, I am coming to the conclusion that some of our managers have started to hide behind the President's wording: there is labor productivity - there is wages, no productivity - no wages. All this is correct, but it is followed by the fact that labor productivity must be increased and enterprise managers must focus very hard on increasing labor productivity, and hence wages," said the head of state. "We still need to reach the $500 level by the end of the year, as we agreed. Therefore, managers should not just be oriented in this regard today, but should be pushed. Otherwise, many shrug their shoulders: well, there is no labor productivity, the President said, there are no wages. So why is this manager at the production facility?" the head of state believes. He noted that in this regard, he would like to hear the assessment of the Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions on how trade union leaders, especially in primary organizations, are acting in this situation. "Your point of view on the development of the Belarusian economy in terms of wage growth: what do we need to do here, what concerns do you see - trade unions are still closer to the people and are directly in the thick of things," the President said. Alexander Lukashenko noted that this meeting traditionally takes place during the May holidays, and congratulated the head of the FTUB and Belarusian citizens on Labor Day. "I am still a supporter of organizing May Day gatherings, perhaps not by marching in the streets as it used to be, but somewhere in parks, in nature, as it was originally intended, so that people can relax and gather with their families," said the head of state. Addressing Leonid Kozik, the President noted that he would like to learn about the existing problematic issues in the FTUB. "I would like to hear how our main, principal, and, one might say, essentially the only mass trade union organization works, and, above all, what problems exist there. Because we see all the good things, but problems must be fought, not hidden, if there are any problematic enterprises. I am also ready to participate in solving these problems. I would like to hear from you where the President should primarily visit in order to delve into the situation that is developing," said the head of state. "In general, it's a whole set of issues that I would like to see through the prism of the work of trade union organizations," the President summarized. Leonid Kozik informed the head of state about how trade union organizations work, what concerns people in production collectives, how the May 1 rally went, and about people's moods. According to the Chairman of the FTUB, "trade unions are concerned that price growth sometimes outpaces income growth." "And this is wrong, as there are categories of people whose incomes are not very high, and in this regard, the Federation of Trade Unions will always be negatively disposed towards such government decisions. I think this is clear to everyone who goes to the store and who receives a salary. The government cannot hide behind complete price liberalization," Leonid Kozik noted. The President was also informed about the preparations for the children's health improvement season. According to Leonid Kozik, this year more than 400,000 children will be able to rest and improve their health in summer camps, including about 180,000 in suburban ones. All children's camps are equipped and ready to receive schoolchildren. As for the rest of adult citizens, this year the discount on vouchers to sanatoriums and rest homes for FTUB members has been increased from 15% to 20%. The head of state was also informed about other issues related to the activities of the FTUB. The President confirmed that the FTUB should continue its work on implementing directives, particularly with families in difficult life situations raising children, on labor protection, economy, and thrift. -0-