Sergei Popov, Deputy of the Yabloko faction plans to introduce a proposal on a national referendum of the draft Labour Code after its adoption at first reading by the lower chamber. He declared this intention on December 13, 2000.

Popov also pointed out that the State Duma would start examining the four variants of the new Labour Code on December 21. In his opinion, the mostimportant variants here are the draft developed by a group of deputies together with the trade unions of Russia and the governmental draft.

Popov said that that it was difficult to judge at present which variants would be approved by the deputies. However, he is sure that the adoption of the governmental draft "could lead to social conflict".

Popov thinks that a national referendum offers the best solution. Furthermore, the Regulations of the State Duma envisage the possibility of conducting such referendum in Article 119.

Based on Interfax reports.