10 June 2004 10:28
Russian trade unions hold protest action demanding better wages, end to poverty
[Presenter] About 300 Russian cities are taking part in rallies protesting against the state's policies.
Moscow trade unions have joined the all-Russia protest. A picket was held in front of the Russian Economic
Development and Trade Ministry. About 20 people took part in the protest. They were flanked by 15 policemen. Protesters
distributed leaflets saying that the government keeps sending laws that violate human rights to the State Duma. [Passage
omitted: list of laws]
Another protest rally is being held near the House of the Government at the Gorbatyy bridge. Our correspondent is
among its participants.
Hello, Natasha , how many people are taking part in the action?
[Correspondent Natalya Shopen] Hello, though it is raining and is very windy there are many people here today - about
1,500 people at present and they keep coming. Mainly those are people between 30 and 60 years old. [Passage omitted]
One of their main demands is to increase salaries for the public sector workers by 50 per cent and to increase
minimum wages, end poverty and prevent a decline in social guarantees. [Passage omitted]
[Presenter] According to leaders of various trade unions it is expected that over 33m people will take part in
rallies and meetings all over Russia.
[Ekho Moskvy radio] |
RUSSIA IN FACTS
