Russia's parliament gave initial backing Thursday to a new labor code which stipulates for the first time that employers may not offer salaries lower than the government recognized poverty level.
The State Duma lower house of parliament approved the measure by 288 votes to 133 in the first of three required readings.
The new code also allows workers to demand vacation time six months after joining a new company as opposed to 11 months presently.
It further guarantees four weeks of vacation time and a 40-hour work week.
The working week is trimmed even shorter for hazardous jobs.
However dozens of pro-Communist protesters demonstrated outside the parliament building to protest at provisions granting employers broader power to fire their work force and limiting the amount of paid overtime work. | 
