21 February, 2012On January 31, a local court in Togliatti (Russia) ordered the company to reinstate Olga Boiko, an activist of the Interregional Trade Union of Autoworkers (ITUA) local called 'Unity' at AvtoVAZ. However, even after the court ruling the anti-union discrimination didn't stop.
RUSSIA: On January 31 Olga Boiko, a technical and juridical inspector of the IMF-affiliated Interregional Trade Union of Autoworkers (ITUA) local called 'Unity' at AvtoVAZ plant, was reinstated by a local court.
In 2008 Olga, a paint shop worker at the plant, raised the issue of a decreasing premium for working in hazardous conditions. The extra pay was cut after the assessment of workplaces, conducted by the management in a non-transparent manner. In 2009 the original pay level was restored, however, Boiko began to face pressure from the management.
The administration took disciplinary action against Boiko several times under false pretexts. For example, she allegedly worked without a respirator, though according to the workplace rules she didn't have to. Other cases include her allegedly damaging a car door or working without protective glasses - though again, she didn't have to during that particular operation. After three cases of disciplinary action Boiko was fired.
"We strongly believe that Olga Boiko was dismissed for her union activity. She demanded that her shop managers and plant administration followed the labour law. In particular, she tried to hold the management accountable with the help of the Labour Inspection," commented an ITUA representative.
Due to the support of her union, Boiko was reinstated. However, on the following day she wasn't able to enter the plant - she didn't get a pass. She wasn't given a permanent pass even after a week's time.
Nevertheless, ITUA notes that Boiko's reinstatement is an important victory for the union and congratulates Olga Boiko and all the activists of the union local at AvtoVAZ.