Soviet newspaper outlines penalties for lazy workers

August 8, 1983

Soviet President Yuri Andropov's demands for increased industrial discipline were given concrete form Sunday in a package of tough sanctions to be used against slackers.

The measures, published on the front page of the official daily, Pravda, include such disciplinary actions as reduced holidays, demotion, loss of regular bonus payments, or dismissal for workers consistently idle or found drunk on the job. The new measures are part of Andropov's attempt to revive the Soviet economy.