NFS stands with the Independent Trade Union Movement in Belarus

NFS firmly stands behind the Independent Trade Union Movement in Belarus 

This month marks three years since the Lukashenko regime arrested the leaders of the independent trade union movement in Belarus. As we enter the fourth year of the repression of free trade unions in Belarus the Nordic Council of Trade Unions - NFS, representing more than 8.5 million members in the Nordic region - reaffirms its condemnation of the unlawful arrests of trade unionists in Belarus, the dissolution of the independent trade unions and calls for the immediate release of any trade unionists that remain imprisoned.  

On April 19, 2022, the leadership of the Belarusian Congress of Trade Unions (BKDP) including the President of BKDP Aliaksandr Yarashuk, BKDP Vice-President Siarhei Antusevich, President of Free Trade Union of Metal Workers (SPM) Aliaksandr Bukhvostau, President of Free Trade Union of Belarus (SPB) Mikalaj Sharakh – as well as other colleagues - were arrested. To this day, many of our trade union colleagues in Belarus remain unjustly imprisoned or forced into exile.  

The Belarusian trade unionists continue to show great courage in their fight for fundamental trade union and human rights. Facing an increasingly dangerous regime and its security service, they continue the struggle for freedom despite its apparent dangers. The weight of responsibility falls on the global community to stand up for the rights and freedoms we’ve collectively agreed upon. But the heaviest responsibility falls on the government of Belarus who, in clear breach of international law, persecutes the free trade union movement.   

The actions of the Belarusian government stand in clear violation of international law. They represent serious and ongoing breaches of international labour standards, particularly the right to freedom of association under ILO Conventions 87 and 98. In response, the ILO invoked Article 33 of its Constitution—an exceptional measure used only once before in the organization’s history. Despite repeated calls from the ILO supervisory bodies, Belarus continues to neglect its obligations under international law. In March 2025, the ILO Governing Body adopted a strong resolution urging full and immediate compliance. 

The Nordic trade union movement calls for the release of all the wrongfully imprisoned trade unionists and for the government of Belarus to immediately cease its breaches of international law in persecuting free and independent unions. We urge the international community to stand in solidarity with the brave trade unionists of Belarus and to support their freedom and the protection of their fundamental rights.  

In solidarity,  
NFS Steering Committee 

Jarkko Eloranta, SAK – Finland and President of NFS
Sara Gundelach Vergo, Akademikerne – Denmark and Vice President of NFS
Sonja Ýr Þorbergsdóttir, BSRB - Iceland
Steffen Handal, Unio - Norway
Johan Lindholm, LO - Sweden
Magnus Gissler, General Secretary NFS  

This statement was adopted by the NFS Steering Committee on April 8.