Article 15. Guarantees for workers elected to trade union bodies and not released from production work

The following may not be subjected to disciplinary penalty:

workers elected to the composition of a trade union body and not released from production work, without the consent of that body;

heads of trade union bodies in the subdivisions of an organization without the consent of the relevant trade union body;

heads of trade union bodies in the organization without the consent of the relevant association of trade unions.

Termination of an employment contract at the initiative of the employer with persons elected to the composition of trade union bodies and not released from production work is permitted, in addition to observing the general procedure for terminating an employment contract, with the prior consent of the trade union body of which they are members, and with the chairman of the organization's trade union body, furthermore, with the consent of the relevant association of trade unions being obtained.

Members of trade union bodies who are not released from their production work are provided, on terms determined by a collective agreement or arrangement, with time off while retaining their average earnings for the performance of public duties in the interests of the labor collective, as well as for short-term study through the trade union line.

Members of trade union bodies are released from production work with payment in the amount of average earnings at the expense of the trade union for the period of participation as delegates at congresses, conferences convened by trade unions, as well as in the work of their plenums and presidiums.

In cases provided for by the trade union's charter, trade union organizers or organizers of trade union groups may be elected in organizations, to whom the guarantees provided for by this Article extend.