10 June 2004 11:42
Russian union leader lists demands of protesters outside government HQ
[Presenter] Over 1,500 people came to the Government House [in Moscow] today [10 June] to take part in a protest
action held by trade unions across Russia. One of the main slogans of the rally was: Welfare policy for a welfare state.
It was declared that one of the main aims of the protest was, I quote, to prevent further impoverishment of the people
of Russia and to prevent the collapse of welfare guarantees by making the government listen to public opinion.
One of the main organizers of the protest, Chairman of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Russia Mikhail
Shmakov, has told us about the protesters' main demands:
[Shmakov] Firstly, to lay off the Labour Code. Secondly, to abolish completely the single social tax and revert to
insurance-based schemes of welfare protection and social insurance. To pay all wage arrears; and to raise wages: it
should be not R600 [about 20 dollars] but at least R2,500 [a month]. And generally speaking, wages should obviously move
towards the rates paid elsewhere in the world. We know these rates - about 2,000-3,000 dollars a month on average, and
naturally skilled workers should receive more.
[Presenter] Protesters are in a more than serious mood, and if the government fails to heed their demands, they
intend to organize a nationwide strike in September.
[Ekho Moskvy radio] |
RUSSIA IN FACTS
