12 March 2002
Brest region unions to join March 28 protests
The Presidium of the Brest Regional Trade Union Association (BRTUA) decided on March 11 to stage rallies in Brest and other cities in the region within the framework of the nationwide protest set by Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus for March 28.
The decision was made despite opposition from several grass-root organizations and the Regional Committee of the Culture Workers Union. The trade unions of health and light industry workers also expressed reservations, but said they would have to obey.
The BRTUA plans to apply to the Brest government for permission to hold the rally at the remote stadium "Stroitel", the government-designated place for anti-government protests. The slogans will be "No to Rising Prices! For Decent Life!"
"We will not put stress on trade unions rights," BRTUA leader Vladimir Mironchik told BelaPAN. The BRTUA intends to invite the heads of the regional and city governments and elected officials of all levels.
Rallies are also expected to take place in Pruzhany, Luninets, Baranovichi, Stolin, Ivatsevichi, Beryoza, Pinsk and Kobrin.
The Brest branch of the Belarusian Party of Communists has announced that it will join the protest.
http://brestonline.com/en/news/news175.html