Employment Scams in Belarus: How Employers Exploit Workers

Employment Scams in Belarus: Two Common Tactics Employers Use to Exploit Workers In Belarus, many workers are unaware of their rights, leading to exploitation by some employers. Two common tactics involve avoiding formal employment contracts. One tactic is to start workers without a contract, then later offer a contract for services, which often offers less protection and benefits. Another is to utilize contracts for services during the probationary period, again circumventing labor laws. "Many employers use contracts for services to avoid paying the required social security contributions and benefits," says Artur Bel, a Belarusian lawyer and creator of a recent video on the subject. He highlights articles 25 and 28 of the Belarusian Labor Code, which detail the requirements for employment contracts and probationary periods. These articles clearly define the employer's obligations and the employee's rights during these periods. The lack of awareness about these legal protections leaves workers vulnerable to exploitation. This situation underscores the need for better education and enforcement of labor laws in Belarus to ensure fair treatment for all employees. The government could launch public awareness campaigns to educate workers about their rights and provide clear guidelines for employers.