No mass layoffs at large state enterprises ahead of presidential campaign

MAZ employees in Minsk have been sent on forced leave until January 12^th, 2015, and ‘Gomselmash’ management have prompted employees to take 4-6 unpaid leave days each month.

As expected, the decline in the competitiveness of Belarusian products on the Russian market and the deteriorating economic situation in Russia are interfering with the work of Belarusian enterprises which are mainly oriented towards Russian market. However, ahead of the 2015 presidential campaign the Belarusian authorities will not allow mass layoffs at the large state-owned enterprises and will not change the social economic policy. The authorities will seek to ensure social and political stability by expanding part-time employment and by reducing wages – but not below the acceptable level.