News

On 1 May 2008, UNI Moscow Office together with affiliates started “Say YES to the Union” campaign.  Blue band was chosen  as campaign symbol.

Campaign started as response towards the antiunion attitude of the management of the French based DIY retail chain “Leroy Merlin Vostok” in Moscow.

Trade unions in national and multinational companies in the UNI sectors in eastern Europe and central Asia  often face difficulties as employers do not respect law and trade union rights.

“Leroy Merlin” refuses to recognize union created by its employees. Union’s chair person was illegally dismissed, its members and supporters are subjected to threats and repression.

“Say YES to the Union” campaign was started during the 5 thousand strong 1 May unions’ demo in Moscow.

Demonstrators received leaflets explaining the meaning of action and blue bands with “Say YES to the Union” slogan and web address of the “Our Union” (Nash Profsouz) portal on it. The Our Union web site (http://www.nashprofsouz.ru/) was created by UNI Moscow Office as a part of the UNI-Online project to support organizing efforts of grassroots activists and inter-union shop level communication.

Blue band campaign will be followed up by organising activities in number of target companies in the region..