Henadz Fiadynich: Billion Rubles Given back to Employees

The Belarusian Trade Union of Electronic Industry celebrates its 25 years. What are independent Trade Unions proud of?

The head of the Trade Union Henadz Fiadynich told Radio Racyja about anniversary and things they'd like to do:

- I came here for one term, but stayed for all my life. As for our Trade Union, I think it's the only organization that could remain independence. It's not only our opinion. We have never changed our views towards protection of our employees. We had no compromises, we have always chosen employees. We've always protected their rights.

- What are the brightest moments?

- These are recondite facts of our activity. For example, it was an extremely hard time when we were subject to constant checks within a year. We could take a stand, although instead of 2000 members we had only 630 in the end. I also remember how we protected rights of taxi drivers, who were not even members of our Trade Union. Over six months we took legal proceedings and won the case. They still do not know who helped them then. In one word, we have enough good memories.

- What do you miss now in your work?

- I guess we have lack of people and time, although we do our best. Over 11 months this year we gave more than a billion of rubles back to employees. It was illegally withheld by employers. I think it's a good gift both to employees and us as well.