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Trade union organization at Babruysk Tractor Components and Units Plant evicted from its office

The grass-roots organization of the Belarusian Free Trade Union at Babruysk Tractor Components and Units Plant (BTCUP) has been evicted from its office in violation of a court ruling.

On July 17, the Mahilyow Regional Economic Court rejected an eviction suit filed by the management of the company following the expiration of a rent contract with the trade union organization on July 3.

"Managers probably cannot care less what the court has decided," Mikhail Kavalkow, who heads the organization, commented to BelaPAN. "They have also ignored a court order to unblock my permanent access card. This is complete lawlessness."

Mr. Kavalkow said that he would complain to a prosecutor's office and might inform the company's partners in other countries and the trade unions of those countries about the situation at the plant.

BTCUP Deputy Director Uladzimir Yeliseyenka told BelaPAN that he could neither confirm nor deny that the trade union organization led by Mr. Kavalkow has been evicted from its office.

The office is located on the plant's grounds. The management has reportedly offered Mr. Kavalkow an office in a building that is separated from the plant by a brick wall. Mr. Kavalkow replied that he would move to the new office only if it became accessible from the plant.

Mikhail Kavalkow was subjected to pressure in November 2011, after trade union activists collected 1,500 signatures for a petition demanding a 100-percent wage increase at BTCUP. Wages were eventually raised by 45 percent, but Director General Alyaksandr Ahranovich threatened Mr. Kavalkow with problems. "Soon after that, various inspectors began visiting our office," Mr. Kavalkow earlier said. "The management terminated an agreement that allowed us not to pay the office rent, blocked my permanent access card and suspended my bonuses and work experience payments. Other full-time trade union officials at BTCUP continue to receive them."