Residents of Grozny complain about coercion to participate in subbotniks

Employees of state institutions in Grozny complain that they are forced to participate in subbotniks (unpaid cleanup works on weekends), adding that not only state servants, but also militaries are forced to take part in them.

The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reports that the July 24 subbotnik in Grozny involved employees of various state agencies and law enforcers.

The subbotniks are initiated by the Mayoralty of Grozny. At the same time, the Mayoralty asserts that the heads of organizations and agencies "are personally responsible for holding subbotniks."

Residents of Grozny report that militaries, doctors and other budget-funded employees are forced to take part in subbotniks.

"Now, city authorities have returned to this, once nicely mastered method to keep streets clean for free: these subbotnik cleaners are not paid for," said the head of one of Grozny enterprises.

An employee of one of Grozny hospitals said that "elderly people have problems" because of hot weather.

Local residents assert that those who refuse to participate in "voluntary" subbotniks", face serious problems at work, up to dismissal.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.