Workers of flax processing plant in Kruhliany try to get salaries through court

Workers of a flax processing plant in Kruhliany filed a suit to a court demanding the plant to pay their wages for April and May.

Workers were sent on leave and not allowed to start work on May 20 after they had protested against the closure the plant. They haven't received wages for two months and the pay for the mandatory leave, Viasna human rights centre reports.

Before applying to a court, the women went to the prosecutor's office of the Kruhliany district, but heard that the plant would be closed.

Activist Zinaida Mileshchanka, who helps people protect their rights and make complaints to relative agencies, says the workers are desperate.

“The workers and I have the impression that the district authorities make everything to avoid paying for the closure of work places. The authorities of Kruhliany don't want to lay off people in accordance with the law: to warn them, pay the compensation and register them in the employment centre. They are just gradually close the plant. The women were proposed jobs in Shklou, 40 kilometres away. They can work there only for a couple of months. The authorities want the workers to leave the job voluntary in order not to pay compensation for loss of employment.

They haven't received salaries for April and May and the holiday pay, though their leaves expire on June 25. I helped the workers to prepare and file a suit to the court of the Kruhliany district. Let's see if it can protect their rights,” she says.

Most workers facing the dismissal have worked at the plant for more than 15 years. Many of the women are near retirement. A number of organisations and plants have been closed in the Kruhliany district over the last few years.