95th Anniversary of the State Trade Union: Young archivists from Molodechno have prepared a special issue of the «Archive Bulletin»

In anticipation of a significant date — the 95th anniversary of the Belarusian Trade Union of Employees of State and Other Institutions — the Zonal State Archives in Molodechno has prepared a special issue of the «Archive Bulletin» project. The authors decided not to simply present dry figures, but to use authentic documents to show the living history of trade union solidarity.

The script is based on materials stored in the archive’s collections. The narrative begins with the origins: April 1931, when the first All-Belarusian Congress took place and people first realized the power of unity. However, the issue devotes special attention to the mid-1950s—a time when regional committees were actively being formed. Viewers of the «Archive Herald» will be able to learn details of the historic meeting of the organizing bureau on September 10 and the regional conference on October 20, 1956, held in MolodechNo.The archival minutes preserve not only the names of the participants (including the chairman of the republican committee), but also the atmosphere of the time. The documents demonstrate that these were not formal reports, but a genuine democratic dialogue. Delegates openly discussed the problems of primary organizations, the distribution of travel vouchers, and cultural activities, seeking solutions together.

The creators of the program emphasize the symbolic connection between the times. The employees of the Zonal State Archive in Molodechno, who carefully preserve this history, are themselves members of the district organization of the Belarusian Trade Union of Employees of State and Other Institutions.

Today, in the Molodechno district, the industry trade union unites 19 primary organizations and more than 1,300 people. The authors of the script remind us that 95 years is not only the past. As long as human rights protection, workplace safety, social support, and respect for workers are relevant, the union will survive.

Pictured: Episodes from the special issue