Aliaksandr Yarashuk: Layoff on Grodno Azot is preparation for selling

The layoff of 200 employees may be considered as preparation for privatisation of the plant.

Aliaksandr Yarashuk, the head of the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions, spoke to charter97.org about the mass layoff at Grodno Azot.

“What concerns the situation of Khimvolokno plant owned by Grodno Azot, it is the tendency of getting rid of auxiliary production units and leaving only core ones. Belneftekhim company provides this policy. This process can be regarded as preparations for privatisaion. Companies in Ukraine and Russia were prepared for selling in the same way. Main production units were closed, which created the problem of staff and job cuts,” the trade union leader said.

He stressed that Belarus begins to carry out market reforms too late.

“It is the necessary measure today. We have to do it whether we want it or not. It's sad that the Belarusian authorities don't want to admit that the country faces the processes of privatisation and restructuring, though they should have carried out reforms long ago. These processes require a special programme to create new jobs. Stop saying that we don't have unemployment or it is only 0.5%. It's a fantasy. They must say about the urgent need to create the employment programme, which comply with the decisions on economic liberalisation and development of small and medium-sized businesses,” the chairman of the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions said.

He adds that time again reminds the Belarusian authorities to change the economic course.

“It's obvious that the command economy has bankrupted. We see how many problems begin to appear with salaries and excess inventory. These are links in one chain. The authorities must admit that the problem exists and it must be solved immediately. The government mustn't be an ostrich who hides his head in the sand,” Aliaksandr Yarashuk said.

It should be reminded that 200 employees of Khimvolkno plant belonging to Grodno Azot JSC will be laid off due to the plant modernisation.