During the Russian political crisis of October 3, 1993 the FNPR, under the leadership of Igor Klochkov, called for the defense of the Russian White House in support of Aleksandr Rutskoy and the illegally dissolved Supreme Soviet of Russia and Congress of Soviets. There was little response from workers to this call, and the consequences for the union were swift. Having passed a motion of their support for Rutskoy on September 28, Yeltsin passed a presidential decree the same day - stripping the union of its right to control and dispense social insurance funds and other benefits. Following Yeltin's victory in the White House showdown, further threats to end mandatory wage check-offs resulted in the hurried removal of Klochkov from leadership. He was replaced on October 11, by Mikhail Shmakov, who has maintained the post through to the present date.