TUC solidarity statement on Belarus

The TUC is deeply concerned about reports emerging from global union federations on the totally unacceptable violence, persecution and arrests directed at people peacefully protesting the results of the presidential elections in Belarus on August 9. Independent Trade Unions of Belarus, the largest democratic and independent civil society movement, have labelled the elections fraudulent, with main opposition candidates were harassed and not allowed to compete, while Dictator Alexander Lukashenko – in power since 1994 - was declared winner despite allegations that the majority of population voted against him.

We are shocked to hear that the election campaign was marked by massive and brutal repression aimed at civil society, searches, threats, dismissals from work, fines, suppression of media and internet and intimidation of journalists. This includes the arrest of trade unionists detained for having taken part in peaceful protests against falsified elections, notably Nikolai Zimin, former chairman of the Belarusian Independent Trade Union and Maxim Sereda, chairman of the UMTO the Independent Trade Union of Miners.

Belarus has been ranked for many years at a 5 in the ITUC Global Rights Index, which means “no guarantee of rights”. It is effectively impossible to hold a legal strike and there is very strict legislation on illegal strikes.

We join the international calls from the global trade union movement and denounce the violent attacks by the police and the special security forces in Belarus and demand the Belarusian authorities ensure that the fundamental rights of freedom of association, freedom of speech, peaceful assembly and media freedom are recognised. We stand in solidarity with the people of Belarus and demand their voices are heard and their political choices are respected without fear of violence and repression.

The TUC has written directly to the Belarus Ambassador to the UK on this matter, we await his response. 

Frances O'Grady, TUC General Secretary

Download the full letter (pdf)