International Solidarity against Yura Corporation

SERBIAN WORKERS HOLD A RALLY OF SOLIDARITY WITH OUR RUSSIAN COLLEAGUES

20.03.2011 10:11
On March 15, factory workers at "Yura Corporation in Racha (Serbia) and Sloga union activists, held a protest in front of the Embassy of South Korea in Belgrade. They demanded the reinstatement of six employees dismissed for union activity, and expressed solidarity with unionized workers at "Yura Corporation" in Ivangorod (Kingisepp district of Leningrad region), who are also under severe pressure from the employer.

We recall that on March 6, in Kingisepp a picket took place against the anti-union policy "Yura corporation” in Russia and Serbia, organized by the Inter-regional trade union of automobile industry workers (MPRA). Several dozen workers armed with whistles and megaphones, appealed to the Ambassador of South Korea and the state authorities of Serbia with the demand to curb the South Korean investor, grossly violating national and international legislation.

"At the “Yura plant" what is going on is a monstrous humiliation of workers - citizens of Serbia: the physical, psychological, and sexual - says Zeljko Veselinovic, chairman of the trade union Sloga. - The Labour Inspectorate ordered the return to work of our colleagues, but the leadership of "Yura" refuses to implement this decision."

"They do not accept the decision, on which we must return to work, and violates the laws of the Republic of Serbia, which for them – mean nothing," - said Maria Ilic, deputy chairman of the Sloga union at the "Yura”.

Meanwhile, the sympathies of the local authorities are clearly on the side of the employer. Thus, Mayor of Racha, Dragan Zhivanovich refuses to communicate with the media. In a brief telephone conversation with reporters, TV B92, she said she did not believe the workers of "Yura", and accused journalists of bias: "I spoke with the director Lucas-nam, and he assured me that “Yura" is in compliance with all laws and regulations." The management at "Yura" also refuses to comment on it.

Chairperson of the primary organisation of MPRA at "Yura Corporation RUS” in Ivangorod, Russia, Victor Makhno said that their union strongly supports the struggle of the Serb colleagues:" We protest against the illegal actions of "Yura" against the outbreak of psychological terror against workers who have used their legal right to organize into unions. We support the struggle of our sister union and believe in the victory of law, justice and truth, which is on our side. We are together to do one thing - fight for the interests and rights of workers. "
From MPRA