Mass strike of entrepreneurs in Salihorsk

Entrepreneurs of Salihorsk refuse to work under new “draconian” conditions of the local authorities.

Individual entrepreneurs of Salihorsk market “Oktyabrski” left their work places in protest against increasing of rental rate from 5.5 euros to 7 euros per 1 square meter. Entrepreneurs had a meeting demanding that local authorities ban their decision. The protest rally gathered about 1,000 people.

Officers of the district and region executive committees, officers of the local State Control Committee, and administration of the market met with entrepreneurs. After an emotional conversation with protesters, officials suggested to continue talks with members of the initiative group of entrepreneurs,” Euroradio reports.

According to head of the group Tatsyana Kuchynskaya, the authorities continue to insist that 7 euros for 1 square meter is a “normal leasing cost”, but entrepreneurs want the rental rate to be decreased. Officials explain their position by the fact that “Oktyabrski” market is not a private organization but a state one so “the state cannot operate at a loss”.

Salihorsk officials are preparing new rent cost based on the new ruble rate. Salihorsk entrepreneurs have already sent letters to the local State Control Committee and to Minsk Region Executive Committee. They hope that their opinion will be taken into account when the decision is taken.