Russia: Bosses sack auto-factory union leader

ON 19 January at the end of his shift, Dmitrii Kozhnev, Chair of the Tsentrosvarmash factory branch of the Trade Union of Auto Industry Workers (MPRA), and a supporter of Socialist Resistance (CWI, Russia), was sacked from his workplace in Tver city, Russia. Two security guards were instructed to escort Dmitrii out of the factory.

According to Russian law, employers have to get the agreement of the relevant trade union before sacking workers in such a manner. The director of the Tsentrosvarmash factory had earlier approached the trade union and asked for approval to remove Dmitrii, but was refused. The director decided to fire Dmitrii Kozhnev regardless, ignoring legal requirements.

The sudden firing of Dmitrii is connected to management plans, with the support of the 'official' trade union, to launch a serious attack on working conditions, by cutting social benefits.

The independent union MPRA is a serious barrier to the management's plans. MPRA intends to continue its campaign against the illegal actions of the factory management.

We appeal to trade unionists and activists internationally to protest against the summary sacking of Dimitrii Kozhnev, to demand his immediate re-instatement, and to demand the cuts in workers' benefits are immediately reversed.

Please send urgent protests to: Yu. E Makarov, General Director of Tsentrosvarmash, Ul P.Savelevoi 47, Tver, Russia 170039 tver@tsentrosvar.ru

With a copy to the Head Office info@tmholding.ru

Tel. +7 4822 553309 Fax +7 4822 553538

And to the Administration of the Tver Region Ul. Sovetskaya 41, Tver, Russia 170100 it@web.region.tver.ru

Please send copies of protest messages to Robert.cwi@gmail.com

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