Ukraine: declaration "For a free Belarus!, democratic and workers!»

Open declaration «For a free Belarus!, democratic and workers!» to our brothers and sisters in the struggle of the working class in Belarus, of the Ukrainian union «Defense of Workers»

Dear brothers and sisters of Belarus:

We are fascinated by their strength and bravery in the fight against autocratic rule. It is obvious that the conservative-oligarchic regime feared, first, the determined and organized protest of the Belarusian working class and its independent unions. Only their strike and the protest of the working class in general made it possible not only to stop open police brutality against the Belarusian people, but also resolutely raise the issue of canceling the result of the presidential elections, falsified by the regime.

We strongly support your current general democratic demands for decisive changes in Belarusian society, the prosecution of those who fabricated the election results and the special police units, who abused their power.

It is very important to remember the bitter experience of Ukraine, when openly anti-worker and anti-union forces used a righteous uprising against the Yanukovych regime in 2014. Precisely these forces are currently carrying out violent attacks against the democratic rights of workers and union activists., increasing the retirement age and carrying out the course of anti-popular neoliberal reforms.

Unfortunately, the working class and union activists in 2014 they could not become an efficient and significant factor of the democratic revolution in Ukraine. They were poorly organized and insufficiently prepared. This fact is being used by the conservative 'protectors' of the autocratic regime, who are trying to convince workers not to support the fight for democratic transformation in Belarus, stop the strike and actually support Lukashenko's autocratic-capitalist regime.

We resolutely deny these calls for virtual collaboration with the regime. Only the constant struggle for democracy gives workers the possibility of finally overcoming autocracy and violence. Nevertheless, the working class and unions of Belarus should begin to develop their program of demands. This program would prevent the future democratic and free Belarus from falling on the path of anti-worker neoliberal reforms and changes.. Only neoliberal reforms and mass privatization will inevitably return the situation to the renewal of dictatorship and police violence and strengthen both the reactionary forces of revenge and those who wish to establish a regime of external control of Belarus, both pro-Western and pro-Russian. We believe that the fight for true independence of democratic and working Belarus is one of the most important issues of the current situation.

We, Ukrainian workers and union activists, we have no right to dictate our opinion about our Belarusian brothers and sisters. The Belarusian workers will themselves develop the program of struggle of the workers and unions. Nevertheless, We mainly believe that we have the right to present our proposals, which could become the basis for the development of a current program for workers and unions and also for a list of demands of Belarusian workers. These proposals are the following:

• Immediate cancellation of changes hostile to workers and unions in the Belarusian Labor Code of 2019, that had established the total dictatorship of the employers in the country: temporary employment, unjustified dismissals, The ban on voluntary resignation is the nightmare of Belarusian workers.
• Maintain the workplace by all means necessary!! Prohibition of fines by employers! Bonus withholding ban!
• Immediate cancellation of the government privatization program 2020. Review the privatization carried out of the number of leading companies in Belarus. Nationalization of such enterprises with the subsequent transition from government-backed bureaucratic administration to democratic control by workers and employees!!
• Stop Lukashenko's proposed government reform of retirement benefits! Immediately withdraw the increase in the retirement age established by law in 2020!
• Rapid lifting of all legal restrictions related to the creation of independent Belarusian unions!! Unrestricted press freedom for workers and union media!

There can only be one condition for fighting for the fulfillment of your demands: The workers of Belarus need and must organize a stable and firm relationship with all groups of workers in Belarus, with independent unions, with community activists and environmental activists. At present, the right-wing liberal forces are more organized and try to do everything possible to prevent the Belarusian workers from becoming an autonomous political force, trying to keep them around the neoliberal politicians with their program of liberal reforms against the people.Thus, it would be correct for independent Belarusian trade unions to discuss the issue of appointing a candidate for the future presidential elections. Such a candidate could become a pole of attraction for all truly democratic and hard-working forces in Belarus.. Such action could be a real strategic alternative both against the forces of anti-worker authoritarian revenge and against numerous pro-Russian and pro-Western candidates., who are already committed to completing the dissolution of the independent democratic path towards the future of Belarus free and governed by the people.

Respected Belarusian brothers and sisters of the labor and union struggle! The Ukrainian working class is with you!! Please remember that only in fighting can we win our rights!! Currently your fight is the most important point worldwide!! Right now you are on the front lines of true democracy and workers' rights!! Stay tuned, determined and best of luck!

AUTU Central Committee 'Defense of Workers'

17 August 2020.