_ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Thu, 11 Oct 2001 05:08:14 EDT To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Air-Traffic Controllers on Hunger-Strike - Support needed <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> RUSSIA INFO-LIST from International Solidarity with Workers in Russia - [EMAIL PROTECTED] ISWoR web-site - http://members.aol.com/ISWoR/english/index.html <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Support Air-Traffic Controllers on Hunger-Strike On 10 October 2001 air-traffic controllers in Omsk, Siberia, began a hunger-strike in protest at the proposed new Labor Code, as well as the refusal of the administration to raise salaries despite increased profits. The hunger-strike, initially planned for two days, is part of a general campaign of action in which air-traffic controllers in several towns are playing a leading role, with pickets and stoppages in many workplaces. The new Labor Code passed its preliminary reading in July after the leaders of the FNPR, the largest trade union confederation in Russia, conducted a massive betrayal of its membership by joining the government in approving a so-called "conciliatory" version. In fact, the new version is in many ways even more draconian and anti-labor than the original, its only significant change being that it now ensures monopolization of all union activity by the FNPR. The Code, originally drawn up by the Primakov government under pressure from the IMF, enshrines in law the 58-hour week, permits bosses to gather intelligence on the personal lives of workers suspected of union activities, forces pregnant women to work night shifts, and legalises child labor. While such violations of the human rights of workers were commonplace before, nevertheless they were technically illegal, and where strong unions existed, they could challenge these practices in the courts. Under the new Code independent union activity will be almost impossible. Why have the air-traffic controllers chosen to go on hunger-strike? Vasily Starostin of the independent union Siberian Confederation of Labour (SKT) explains: "The point is in the fact that officially, striking is prohibited to air dispatchers. On hunger strike they will not be allowed to work by doctors in 2-3 days and thus air traffic in Russia will be stopped�" Please support the Siberian air traffic controllers by sending the model letter of solidarity below (or write your own) . You may send it by FAX: 7(3812)16-41-15 Or by E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] with copy to us at [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dear brothers and sisters in the air traffic control industry, I/we are writing to express our deep solidarity with your struggle against the barbaric new Labour Code proposed by the government of Vladimir Putin, with the collaboration of the leaders of the FNPR. It is a disgrace that when workers in the technologically advanced countries are fighting for the 35-hour week, workers in former Soviet Union, the country which put the first man into space, are being forced to return to the 58-hour day. We wish you the greatest success in your struggle , both against the new Code, and for decent wages, and, in an age of mounting insecurity and war, call for international solidarity and friendship between workers of all nations. Signed NAME UNION/ORGANIZATION CITY COUNTRY EMAIL --------------- <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> The RUSSIA INFO-LIST puts out information and analysis from a wide range of sources. If you have something you would like to distribute on Russia Info-List, or want to help in our practical solidarity work, contact: >[EMAIL PROTECTED]< Box R, 46 Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8RZ, England <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> _________________________________________________ KOMINFORM P.O. Box 66 00841 Helsinki Phone +358-40-7177941 Fax +358-9-7591081 http://www.kominf.pp.fi General class struggle news: [EMAIL PROTECTED] subscribe mails to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Geopolitical news: [EMAIL PROTECTED] subscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED] __________________________________________________
