Belaruskali Workers Offered Non-Paid Vacation

As a result, “about 95 per cent of employees” will rest.

“On Monday, we were informed that since December 31 to January 7, non-working days are announced, and people are sent on vacation at their own expense in order to minimize the number of workers at the enterprise,” an employee of Belaruskali contacted the editorial office of tut.by. The portal asked the company management to comment on the situation. They explained: extra days-off are provided over an employee's good will, to ensure a "continuous vacation for the New Year and Christmas holidays."

According to the employee of Belaruskali, who wished to remain anonymous, as a result, “about 95 employees” will rest.

- As far as I understand, this is due to the fact that we have not yet concluded contracts for the sale of ore. It turns out that it makes no sense to work: no contracts - no sales, it’s easier to send people to rest, since there will be nothing to pay salaries for,” the source explains.

He notes that "employees have never been offered to take a vacation at their own expense."

- I have worked here for a long time, and generally live in Salihorsk - nothing like this has ever happened before. Even when there was a conflict with Uralkali, they paid 2/3 of the salary, - the man says.

At the enterprise, journalists were assured that they would not forcibly send employees on holidays at their own expense.

"Given the numerous appeals of employees, the management of the enterprise decided to provide the opportunity for uninterrupted rest on New Year and Christmas holidays," explained the assistant to the general director of Belaruskali Vadzim Shumak. "In the period from December 31 to January 7 there will be five days off, two working days remain - on January 3 and 4. If a person, for example, has planned a trip, they can take these days and relax."

-But this weekend will not be paid?

- If a person at this time is on vacation according to the schedule, it will be paid, or if there is reason to pay for additional days off under a collective agreement. At the same time, the technological process will be organized so that workers who have not expressed a desire to rest more will be involved in production in accordance with their work schedule.