Russia - Fight against pandemic is on union agenda

On March 18, due to the continuing threat of importation and spread of coronavirus in the Russian Federation, the FNPR Executive Committee established an Operational Headquarters to combat COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

The HQ is tasked to conduct weekly monitoring of trade union actions in response to the spread of coronavirus in Russia.

The FNPR affiliates have been instructed to report any suspected infection of union members and provide information on the implementation of anti-epidemic measures, including their isolation from the work community, provision of legal assistance, and filling out a sick list without visiting medical facilities.

Special attention will be given to outreach activities among union members jointly with health professionals on the diagnostics, treatment and prevention of the new coronavirus. Particularly vulnerable groups of union members at risk - people over 60 years of age, as well as those aged 20 to 60 years suffering from chronic diseases of the bronchopulmonary, cardiovascular and endocrine systems - will be subject to special control.

One of the priority areas in monitoring the performance of the FNPR affiliates will be the observance of labour rights and remuneration of union members when introducing part-time and remote forms of work.

In this regard, in order to counter the coronavirus pandemic, the FNPR proposed to accept the recommendations for workers and employers made by the Russian Tripartite Commission for the Regulation of Social and Labour Relations. Similar measures were taken during the economic crisis of 2008-2009.

The Commission’s recommendations to social partners on the organisation of labour relations are designed to determine the format of remote work and reduce the risks for workers when they are put under quarantine.

FNPR information