Entrepreneurs at Atlantic shopping centre on strike

(updated) About 50 sole traders at Atlantic shopping centre did not start work today.

They protested against a sharp increase in stall rent by $70. Sole traders demand to set fixed game rules, udf.by writes.

Entrepreneurs held a meeting and then went to the shopping centre administration with head of Perspective organization Anatol Shumchanka. They hoped to meet with the Atlantic owner and hand in their demands to him.

“The rent costs almost doubled since the crisis began and new contracts raise rental fees by 25%,” Anatoly Shumchanka told Salidarnast. “A representative of the administration appeared before protesters. We asked not to increase rental fees by the end of the year and make lease contracts for a period of three years, but he said it was unreal.”

Shumchanka says entrepreneurs were indignant taking into account the rental price grew amid the difficult economic situation in the country, when sales were low. They are preparing a petition to Atlantic founders. The petition will be singed by lessees and submitted to the shopping centre administration next Tuesday.

“It's necessary to come to an understanding. We hope for a compromise. It is in the interests of both parties,” Anatoly Shumchanka said.

Sole traders opened booths and start work after lunch. It's not the first time when entrepreneurs have protested against increased rental fees in Minsk.