LUKASHENKO ACCUSES TRADE UNIONS OF FANNING TENSION.

Addressing workers at a Minsk trolley bus plant yesterday, president Aleksandr Lukashenko threatened tough measures against independent trade unionists allegedly bent on "provoking rebellion." Lukashenko was reacting to the threat of a strike in several industrial sectors to demand union rights, the dismissal of the industry minister, and economic reforms. In addition, three Minsk subway workers, dismissed from their jobs last August for going on strike, have announced they are ready to commit self-immolation in public to protest Lukashenko’s lawless regime. (3)

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