Workers rebelled

Workers of division № 2 of the plant “Zenit–Servis” (in Vileika) refused to work on 3 December, appealing to the abnormal working conditions.

As the site of the Congress of the Democratic Trade Unions reports, the temperature in workshops didn’t exceed +3°C. The workers, women in majority, couldn’t take off their overcoat. The manufacturing supposes using of cooling liquids, but it was impossible to work with them as hands grew numb with cold. More than 40 people signed the application to the plant director Yaroshchik for creation of normal working conditions.

“We take care of our health, and You are responsible for us. We ask You to take steps for creating normal working conditions. If no measures are taken from Your side, we reserve the right to appeal to higher institutions and not to work. Saving should be rational,“ the application says.

“It’s a gross violation of the collective agreement. It says what temperature should be in workshops in winter, as well as other norms of labour protection and safety code, – Alyaksandr Syrakvash, head of the primary organisation of the Free Metal Workers Union (SPM) at the OM RUE "Zenit". – The similar situation on our plant can be seen annually. It’s very cold in workshops in winter, roof leaks in spring and autumn. High dampness in one of the workshops caused a short circuit last year. Only by a miracle were there no victims. But the plant administration practically does nothing to improve the situation.”

The leadership of the primary organisation of the SPM is ready to suggest the workers a scheme of actions to improve the situation.