Worker of Atlant plant: They oust us when employment agreements expire

The plant administration tries to get rid of workers to stay afloat.

Charter97.org learnt from a reader.

“The Minsk-based refrigerator producer Atlant uses cunning methods to lay off employees. Managers just don't prolong employment agreements with workers – old, young, promising, women and men... They fire us even in winter to keep afloat. The plant took many loans. It owes about 200 million dollars. The plant's return on sales is -5%. The authorities use employment contracts though it conflicts with the Constitution. They mock people. The plant administration violates laws, namely the Labour Code, does not fulfill the clause on real wages in the collective employment agreement and doesn't adjust salaries to the inflation rate. They haven't increased salaries for more than a year. Trade unions keep silence. They try people's patience,” he says.

Many Belarusian plants are reported to begin to work four or three days a week. They cut or don't pay wages and make workers take unpaid leaves.