16 June 2004 19:53
Trade unions in Russia`s Dagestan join nationwide protests
Text of Nataliya Ushakova report by Dagestani newspaper Molodezh Dagestana on 16 June headlined "Picket in
Makhachkala"
A nationwide protest organized by Russia's trade unions took place on 10 June. Trade unions picketed the
buildings of the executive and legislative authorities to protest against the Russian government's initiative to
change rights and reduce social guarantees. The slogan of the protest was "No offensive against social rights and
the interests of working people and population".
Dagestan was no exception. About 60 representatives of trade unions picketed the building of the State Council, the
National Assembly and the government of Dagestan on the central square of Makhchkala. Stanislav Gadzhiyev, chairman of
the federation of trade unions of Dagestan, said that the government was aware of the protest as under the new law the
authorities should be notified beforehand of plans to stage rallies on squares.
The chairman of a National Assembly committee, Surakat Asiyatilov, came to support the protesters. He said that any
law should work for the good of ordinary working people, such as doctors and teachers. Otherwise, nobody will need
it.
In accordance with the law on trade unions, representatives of the authorities are to come to meet the pickets and
familiarize themselves with their demands. This did happen in Makhachkala. They will work together to solve the problem
later on.
P.S. In our next issue you will find the view of the problem by the authorities' representatives.
[Molodezh Dagestana] |
RUSSIA IN FACTS
