The constitution provides for the right of workers—except state security and military personnel—to voluntarily form and join independent unions and to carry out actions in defense of workers' rights, including the right to strike. In practice, however, these rights are limited. The Belarusian Free Trade Union (BFTU) was established in 1991 and registered in 1992. Following the 1995 Minsk metro workers strike, the President suspended its activities. In 1996 BFTU leaders formed a new umbrella organization, the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Union (BCDTU), which encompasses four leading independent trade unions and is reported to have about 15,000 members.
The constitution provides for the right of workers—except state security and military personnel—to voluntarily form and join independent unions and to carry out actions in defense of workers' rights including the right to strike In practice however these rights are limited The Belarusian Free Trade Union (BFTU) was established in 1991 and registered in 1992 Following the 1995 Minsk metro workers strike the President suspended its activities In 1996 BFTU leaders formed a new umbrella organization the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Union (BCDTU) which encompasses four leading independent trade unions and is reported to have about 15000 members