Vitsebsk Regional Court upholds dismissal of activist of Free Trade Union of Belarus
The judge turned
down the appeal against the dismissal of the
head of a unit of the independent trade union Viktar Stukau. He tried
to appeal the ruling of the Polatsk City Court, which confirmed that
his dismissal from the company "Polatsk-Glass" was done
correctly.
At the hearing of 3 June the panel of judges
decided that the Polatsk City Court issued a fair verdict on the
case.
At the regional court Viktar Stukau argued that Polatsk
Judge Iryna Darotka had not considered any argument in its favor. She
ignored the fact that the trade union did not consent to his
dismissal, as well as the results of the examination of the health
care facilities which were recognized as harmful to workers. The
regional court did not accept this argument either.
"I
was fired for a violation of the regime of labor and security
instructions. In particular, once they noticed the absence of glasses
which I needed to wear while working. Nobody wants to wear these
glasses, as they are uncomfortable and do more harm than help. This
was also confirmed by an expert examination, which confirmed that
they did no good, but on the contrary, could bring harm. Polatsk City
Court decided that if somebody is order to wear them – refusal is a
violation. This stance was supported by the regional court.
Accordingly, both courts "legalized" the decision of the
administration of "Shklovalakno" ("Fiberglass")
which requires that workers use unsuitable health care facilities,"
commented Viktar Stukau.
The activist is convinced that his
dismissal from the company due to the strengthening of confidence the
free trade union at "Polatsk-Shklovalakno" and other
Polatsk enterprises. "I think that my right to work and freedom
of association, as far as I am the head of the
FTUB unit. That's why my dismissal is primarily an attempt to
intimidate my associates."
The
trade union activist plans to apply to
the Supreme Court. Viktar Stukau decided to
continue his activities in the FTUB even if he fails to get
reinstated at work through court. In this case, he will act as a
"redundant" head of the trade union organization at
"Polatsk-Shklovalakno".