Trade unions of the Vitebsk, Pskov, and Smolensk trade union associations aim to achieve constructive interaction

“There are well-established communications between the trade unions of our regions, which allows us to hold joint events for experience exchange, and our specialists participate in seminars and conferences on the issues of increasing the effectiveness of trade union bodies and developing social partnership,” noted Ivan Vozmitel, Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Association of Trade Unions, in his welcoming address.

Thanks to many years of cooperation (trilateral cooperation between the Vitebsk Regional Association of Trade Unions and the Pskov and Smolensk trade union associations was established back in 1991 – editor’s note), a number of joint projects have been implemented, and international ties between trade unions have been strengthened. In 2016 alone, trade union organizations of the adjacent regions held over 17 events in various areas of activity.

Evgeny Maksimenko, Chairman of the Smolensk Trade Union Association, highly praised the activities of Belarusian trade unions, particularly the Orsha District Association of Trade Unions (Chairman Vasily Murenkov), in the sphere of population employment. The Russians noted the positive experience of their Belarusian colleagues, who, together with government bodies, actively work on citizen employment.

Based on the results of the joint presidium meeting, proposals were developed on the need to amend the trilateral agreement on providing free legal assistance by trade union lawyers to citizens – Belarusians in Russian regions, and Russians – in our regions. “The need to adjust the document is dictated by the current situation in the labor market, as well as by clarifying a number of organizational and legal issues,” commented Ivan Vozmitel.

The parties agreed to provide assistance to citizens in employment and social protection issues in the labor markets of the adjacent territories of the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation.

During the visit, Russian colleagues familiarized themselves with the socio-production facilities of RUPTP "Orsha Linen Mill". At the linen mill, they were met by Deputy General Director for Ideological Work Sergey Sidin and Chairman of the Trade Union Committee Elena Kavetskaya.

Since the beginning of large-scale technical re-equipment in 2014, the linen mill has not only increased the competitiveness of its products by improving quality characteristics and reducing labor costs, but has also significantly improved working conditions. A set of measures has been carried out to repair sanitary and domestic and auxiliary premises, as well as roofs and facades. Also, during the modernization process, climate control systems have been installed in the workshops using special equipment designed for operation in hazardous production conditions, ensuring a constant temperature and humidity regime throughout the year. All this has made it possible to improve working conditions, reduce industrial injuries, and prevent occupational diseases. However, undoubtedly, the undeniable achievement of the linen mill is the current collective agreement, which, in addition to the guarantees provided by labor legislation, takes into account all aspects of the team's life. Special attention is paid to the health improvement of employees. For these purposes, 17.6 thousand rubles have been spent in the 5 months of the current year.

Elena Ustinova, press service of the FPB for the Vitebsk region.