British News Agency

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a working meeting with FNPR Chairman Sergey Chernogayev.

Putin noted that FNPR is one of the leading trade union organizations in Russia, the largest and likely one of the most effective, stating:

“I believe there are trade unions across Russia in 44 sectors and nearly 20 million union members — 18.8 million. This includes workers as well as secondary and higher education students. The FNPR performs an important state function, perhaps the most important one — protecting the rights and interests of workers. It also does a great deal in the field of occupational health and safety oversight, which is extremely important.”

Putin emphasized that the FNPR fulfills its duties and, as a partner in the tripartite commission, works with employers and the government.