Ukraine: Failure to appear at workplace in the ATO area due to hazard to life and health

On July 7, 2014 the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy of Ukraine (hereinafter, the Ministry of Social Policy) published its Letter No.7302/3/14-14/13[1] (hereinafter, the Letter) emphasizing the need to protect the labour rights of employees in connection with their stay in the anti-terrorist operation area (hereinafter, the ATO). Thus, according to the Letter, dismissal of employees who move from the ATO area or remain in that area but cannot go to work because of the hazard to their life and health is unacceptable. The absence of such employees in the workplace is not absenteeism within the meaning of Paragraph 4 Article 40 of the Labour Code of Ukraine, but “absence due to valid reasons,” which is due to the preservation of life and health of such employees and their families. Such employees shall remain employed. At the same time, the Ministry of Social Policy recommends that such employees, at their request, shall be given a paid or unpaid leave, which shall be provided on a mandatory basis in cases stipulated by law, as well as a leave without pay upon the parties’ agreement.

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[1] Letter of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy of Ukraine "On preserving the jobs of employees moved from the areas of anti-terrorist operation or remaining in such areas" dated 08.07.2014.

Minister: 20% of Russians Work in Shadow Economy

Up to a fifth of Russians work in a shadow economy that does not generate adequate tax payments, the country’s labor minister said Friday. “Fifteen to 20 percent of citizens” work jobs that do not provide proper tax and social security payments to the government, Maxim Topilin told an economic forum in Moscow. “I believe that it is simply unfair for those who work legally and pay all their taxes to support those who shirk such responsibility,” the minister said. He called for stricter legislation as well as economic incentives to promote transparency among Russian businesses.

http://en.ria.ru/business/20140117/186625841/15-20-of-Russians-Work-in-Shadow-Economy.html

Emergency Declared as Kyrgyz Gold Mine Protest Turns Violent

Kyrgyzstan's President Almazbek Atambayev declared a state of emergency in a district in the north of the country on Friday after protests at the nation’s biggest gold mine turned into violent riots, with dozens injured. At least one protester died and some 30 others were injured on both sides on Friday, 24.kg reported, when protesters clashed with police near the huge Kumtor gold mine in northern Kyrgyzstan, which is run by Canada’s Centerra Gold. Police used firearms and tear gas to disperse the crowd as protesters threw stones. Atambayev said the protest “threatens the republic’s national security and has significantly damaged the country’s economy,” adding the resultant losses to the state’s revenues could be up to $125 million. He also claimed the stoppage of work at the mine due to the protest could “cause a serious environmental catastrophe” at the site. The protesters are demanding a bigger share of the profits from the country's most lucrative gold mine and more investment in local infrastructure.

http://en.ria.ru/world/20130531/181438091/Emergency-Declared-as-Kyrgyz-Gold-Mine-Protest-Turns-Violent.html

Russia Ratifies Mine Safety Convention

Russia’s parliament has ratified the international Safety and Health in Mines Convention of 1995, the Federation Council said on Wednesday. The convention sets guidelines for employees in the mining sector, including measures aimed at reducing work-related illnesses and preventing accidents. According to the Federation Council, the convention is in accordance with existing Russian mining regulating legislation. Passed by the International Labor Organization in 1995 and enforced three years later, the convention has been already ratified by 26 countries besides Russia, including Germany, Poland, South Africa and the United States. Mine safety conditions in Russia have often been a cause for concern.

http://en.ria.ru/russia/20130529/181404202/Russia-Ratifies-Mine-Safety-Convention.html