WFTU delegation visits Belarus

WFTU Press Release, No. 18, 26 May 2003

At the invitation of the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus (FTUB), a WFTU delegation consisting of Alexander Zharikov, General Secretary, and Adib Miro, Deputy General Secretary, paid a visit to Belarus from 19 to 23 May 2003.

On 20 May, the WFTU delegation had a meeting with Brother L. Kozik, President and other members of the leadership of the FTUB, the heads of departments, leadership of republican committees, the Minsk association of branch trade unions and activists. The main questions discussed included the role of the WFTU in the international trade union movement and directions of development of cooperation between the FTUB and the WFTU.

The WFTU delegation was also received by the Minister of Labour and Social Protection as well as the President of the Confederation of Employers. The WFTU delegation visited some tade union basic organisations as well as the trade union sanatoria and health care facilities at the Belorussian health resort, Naroch.

The WFTU delegation addressed a press conference in Minsk in which the Belorussian press, radio and TV participated. A joint communique was released which stated as follows:

Taking into account the historic relationship between the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) and the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus (FTUB), including the fact that the Belorussian trade unions, as part of the AUCCTU, were one of the founders of the World Federation of Trade Unions;

Noting that the FTUB and WFTU, by joining efforts, will be able more effectively to deal with the tasks to defend the socio-economic interests and rights of workers, strengthening international trade union movement and solidarity;

Both organisations hereby confirm that:

• the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus will augment activities in the framework of the World Federation of Trade Unions and will promote dissemination of information about the activities of the WFTU among members of the FTUB;
• the WFTU will contribute to the strengthening of authority of the FTUB in the international arena and will help to facilitate dissemination of information about the activities of the FTUB among national and international trade union organisations;
• Both organisations will contribute to the establishment of contacts and development of relations among trade federations and unions affiliated to them.