Year after year, trade unions of agro-industrial complex workers become not merely observers, but full-fledged drivers of the process in the real sector of the economy. Today, their sphere of responsibility is not only dry figures in reports, but also living people, their fates, safety, and pride in their work. And in the hottest, decisive periods for farmers, when every fair weather hour is worth its weight in gold, trade union leaders always keep their finger on the pulse of time.

About how the steel character of a grain farmer is forged, what invisible but titanic work lies behind each loaf, and why trade union support is the foundation of agricultural victories in Mogilev region, we speak with the chairman of the Mogilev Regional Trade Union Organization of the Belarusian Trade Union of Agro-Industrial Complex Workers, Vladimir Petrovich.

— Vladimir Eduardovich, the «Дажынкi» festival — the celebration that crowns the grand battle for the harvest — is approaching. Which key areas do trade unions oversee during this tense period?

— You know, in our work there are no trifles, for behind every ear of grain lies the colossal labor of hundreds of people. The scope of our authority is clearly defined by the Charter, but in practice it is much broader. We are the support for the grain farmer in the field. Besides powerful stimulating mechanisms — our traditional labor competition, which

We work in close cooperation with employers. Our specialists are the “eyes and ears” of the labor collective. We don’t just look for shortcomings; we identify them in order to promptly correct them. If somewhere there is equipment, if the food logistics are not fully fine‑tuned, if there are questions about special clothing — we immediately inform the manager and achieve solutions. This work never stops for a moment. We conduct a deep, comprehensive analysis of compliance with labor legislation not only during peak periods, but year‑round. This comprehensive system, implemented over the years, is our contribution to stability. When an employee knows that he is cared for, that his rights are protected by the union, he goes out to the field with a completely different mindset.

— Labor competition is a powerful engine of progress. The good old traditions of competitions in the fields today are acquiring new breath?

— Absolutely! Human nature is such: everyone wants to be the best, wants to take pride in results, to see their name on the board of honor. Leadership is not just ambition, it is the backbone of professionalism. When a mechanizer sees that his labor is appreciated, that he is ahead of everyone on this endless golden field — this gives such energy that no bonus can replace.

We do everything to make recognition of labor tangible. This is important — to create an atmosphere of celebration, an atmosphere of recognition. You know, when representatives of the union or district structures come directly to the field, to the combines blazing with heat, to shake the hand of the best combine operator — that is priceless. This is a moment of truth, when a person feels: “I am seen, I am valued, I am a hero of my land.” And I categorically disagree with those who say that such awards are too many. Too much gratitude cannot be! Labor success cannot be measured only by the payroll sheet. The soul demands recognition.

In this season, full of nature’s whims and difficult trials, it was precisely human steadfastness that determined our success. It was very important for us to note each one, and the union organizations proudly honored about 1000 grain growers, for whom the workers’ holiday in the countryside will become a true triumph of self‑sacrifice.

If we talk about those whose contribution to the 2026 loaf cannot be measured by numbers alone, I would highlight our true masters. It is impossible not to bow before the skill of Sergey Maya from ZAO 'Servolux Agro' in the Mogilev district: his result of over 7,000 tons of grain and legumes is not just a national record, but a symbol of how a person in love with their calling can conquer any heights. And, what is especially pleasing, alongside the recognized masters, the next generation confidently steps forward: Ivan Zdorovikov, representing ZAO 'Agrokombinat Zarya', threshed over 5,000 tons. This is vivid proof that our youth is ready to accept and multiply the best traditions of Belarusian grain farming.

Of course, we must not forget those who worked on grain transportation. For example, Alexander Andreychikov from ZAO 'Agrokombinat Zarya', who transported more than 7,000 tons of grain, became a season discovery for us. In the same line of reliability stands Yuri Mankevich from ZAO 'Agrokombinat Zarya', whose nearly 7,000‑ton grain load is not just logistics, but the foundation of our common food security. Each of these people is not only a production leader, but also the heart of our agriculture. It is with their hands, their patience and dedication that the very invisible thread is created, linking the field and every home where a fragrant loaf adorns the table.

— Vladimir Eduardovich, let us try to sketch a collective image of our heroes. Who are they, the people to whom union leaders today come with such respect to present awards and say a sincere 'thank you'?

— They are people of steel temper and incredible diligence. You understand, they are not just mechanics or drivers. They are true patriots of their land.

This is a person for whom machinery is an extension of himself. He