Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Wednesday urged trade unions to be more proactive in defending the rights of employees.
Speaking at a congress of Russia's Federation of Independent Trade Unions (FNPR), Putin slammed union bureaucracy that often indulges in self-promotion and labors on behalf of employers' interests.
Putin said he had received such complaints during his visits to different enterprises.
"I believe it is important to listen to such signals, respond to them and draw appropriate conclusions," he said.
He said the Russian government would make the most of migrant labor and work to prevent interethnic conflicts, although new jobs would be created mainly for Russian citizens.
MOSCOW, January 12 (RIA Novosti)
