Henadz Fiadynich: Devaluation will lead to strikes as soon as in autumn

Tension in Belarusian society will rose in autumn after the “elections”.

The average salary fell below $400 after a drop of the Belarusian ruble. It follows from the official statistics, but the situation looks even worse in reality. Henadz Fiadynich, the leader of the Electronics Trade Union, thinks another devaluation can lead to a series of strikes as soon as in autumn, prace-by.info writes.

“We are observing the results of the economic course carried out by the government and Aliaksandr Lukasenka,” the trade union leader comments on the “black Monday”. “We can say with all certainty that salaries already decreased to $250 a month and may fall further. I am sure that it will affect the image of Lukashenka, especially that it happened ahead of the elections. Voters have got used for 20 years that the authorities feed people before elections. The matter is not the elections but we can expect after them. How will plants earn money? Will they be able to make competitive products?”

Henadz Fiadynich is sure that the government and the current ruler are unable to carry out economic reforms.

“Yes, reforms will be painful, but it is the only way out of the deadlock. The current government made us fully dependent on Russia, which doesn't give Belarus an opportunity to develop in the western direction. The only way out is democratisation, joining the EU and receiving salaries in euros. Of course, it seems to be fantastic in today's conditions, but I don't see the way other than the way to Europe,” he said.

The trade union leader forecasts that tension in society will grow in autumn after the elections.

“People will feel that only they must care about themselves, and it will be the beginning of problems. Only a few companies, such as Belaruskali and oil refineries, will be able to survive. The rest will delay wages, which will lead to strikes. The authorities will face much more serious problems than they have today,” Henadz Fiadynich said.