Another trade union activist loses job in Babrujsk

The top managers of a Babrujsk-based Plant of Tractor Parts and Units (TDiA) continue dismissing activists of the Free Trade Union of Belarus. In August, the company’s administration did not extend the employment contracts of Siarhei Pichuhou and Aksana Kernazhytskaya. In both cases, the workers lost the opportunity to support their children because they cannot find a new job.

Another trade union activist, Anatol Patapovich, has lost his job only five years ahead of his expected retirement. The activist has diabetes, which minimizes the chances of finding a new job.

The employee had asked the employer to extend the contract, but received a ban instead. Anatol Patapovich says that the official reason for the dismissal is ‘optimization’. But the actual reason is his membership in the Free Trade Union.

Anatol Patapovich was received by chairman of the regional executive committee, Andrei Kavalenka, who promised to help solving the issue, but in fact did nothing to help.

According to Mikhail Kavalkou, local trade union leader, Anatol Patapovich is now in hospital after his diabetes had aggravated. He is also being treated for pneumonia and a stomach problem.

“The problem of Anatol Patapovich, just like the problems of Siarhei Pichuhou and Aksana Kernazhytskaya, could have been solved by one phone call from the chairman of the executive committee,” says Mikhail Kavalkou. “If he wanted to, he could influence the head manager of TDiA, but apparently, he did not wish to do so. He told Anatol at the reception that he would call him back, it was back on September 9, and we are still waiting for a call. I think our main problem is that the officials are appointed, not elected by the people. If people could elect the chairman, he would care for their welfare. And in our case he is little concerned about the problems of ordinary people, as in any case he will remain in his chair in the executive committee,” believes the trade union leader.