Homel Dwellers: Prices Increase, but not Wages

Homel dwellers complain about price increase and redundancy at enterprises.

"What do you think about recent changes in the Belarusian economy?" This question Radio Svaboda poses to residents of Homel.

"I see no changes, but drop. The term "changes" cannot be used. It is a drop of our economy. It is the way I see it," an experienced engineer says.

"Downwards! Almost everyone has suffered decrease of wages. I work at car and lorry fleet. Our wages have decreased a lot. The same happens in enterprises. Bonuses are extremely low. Wages are low," a worker believes.

"Dollar and euro exchange rates increase," a student emphasizes. - The Belarusian ruble cannot secure its position. The only stability is that prices are increasing."

"Prices grow, wages are getting lower. That is all," a worker says.

"If compare to 2010, the financial issue is even more urgent, an architectural engineer mentions. - If we draw parallels to dollar exchange rate, wages are getting lower. After arrival of foreign citizens, especially from Ukraine, there are few vacancies left. And salaries fell down. I think it was a bad idea to let Ukrainians, Turks, Chinese, and Azerbaijani in. Anyway, we have difficulties with job places. And here we have foreigners. It is useless".

"There is a decline in the economy. The unemployment rate proves it. There are a lot of unemployed. My friends have lost their positions as well. I also lost my job. I used to be a steel worker. I was dismissed. Now I cannot find a job. I signed on at the Employment Exchange, but I see no sense anymore," an unemployed Homel dweller says.