President Shavkat Mirziyoyev meets with representatives of Uzbekistan’s trade unions

On October 17, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a meeting with active members and veterans of trade unions.

The Head of State expressed deep respect and warm wishes to all trade union members, thanking them for their contribution to strengthening the spirit of justice, motivation, and professional engagement within labor collectives across enterprises and organizations.

“Today, we are confidently moving forward on the path of building a New Uzbekistan, setting ourselves ambitious goals. In these challenging times, when geopolitical and economic tensions in the world are rising, we remain firmly committed to maintaining peace and stability in our country and to further improving the lives of our multinational people. This is largely thanks to our hardworking and noble citizens, every compatriot of ours”, the President emphasized.

It was noted that over the past eight years, $130 billion in investments have been attracted to the country’s economy, thousands of new production facilities have been launched, and millions of permanent jobs have been created. Owing to the growth of the private sector and the creation of decent working conditions, per capita income has reached $3,500.

The President emphasized that a solid legal framework has been established in the country to protect human and labor rights and to ensure guaranteed social protection. The adoption of the new edition of the Constitution, the Labor Code, and the laws “On Employment of the Population” and “On Trade Unions” has been an essential step in this direction.

Uzbekistan is among the most active countries implementing the standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO). Eight years ago, the government ratified 12 international conventions. Today, that number has reached 25.

“For many years, the issue of eradicating child and forced labor was one of the most painful for us. Only through strong political will and a firm stance were we able to resolve this complex problem positively”, Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted.

Uzbekistan’s experience in this area has been recognized by the International Labour Organization and recommended as an example for other countries to follow.

It was noted that Uzbekistan is among the few countries participating in the United Nations initiative “Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions”, as well as in the International Labour Organization’s “Global Coalition for Social Justice”. Last year, Uzbekistan was elected as a member of the ILO Governing Body.

The Head of State emphasized that trade unions have made a significant contribution to these achievements, being the largest and most people-oriented public organization in the country, uniting about eight million members.

“We have created all the necessary conditions for the free and independent activity of trade unions and will continue to adhere to these principles firmly. The policy of ensuring the right to association and non-interference in their activities will be consistently pursued”, Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.

The active role of trade unions in protecting workers’ labor rights was also highlighted.

In recent years, the lawful interests of nearly 500,000 citizens have been protected, resulting in 267 billion UZS recovered in their favor. Around 13,000 employees were reinstated to their jobs, and 1,000 workers injured at workplaces received compensation totaling 35 billion UZS.

It was emphasized that the role and authority of trade unions are also growing internationally. At the initiative of the Federation, the Council of Trade Unions of Central Asian Countries was established in Tashkent in 2021, followed by the creation of the Organization of Trade Unions of Turkic-Speaking States in Samarkand in 2023. Last year, the Federation joined the International Trade Union Confederation, marking an important milestone in its history.

At the meeting, further tasks for the development of the trade union movement and the improvement of labor relations were discussed.

It was proposed that, starting next year, the Republican Tripartite Commission on Social and Labor Issues, which includes the Federation of Trade Unions, the Ministry of Employment, and the Confederation of Employers, be involved in the drafting of legislation related to the minimum wage. This initiative will represent a new approach to ensuring reliable protection of workers’ interests.

In the context of globalization and digital development, new forms of employment, such as remote and platform-based work, are becoming increasingly widespread. These forms of labor are now an integral part of the country’s economic life, and the citizens engaged in them are recognized as full participants in labor relations.

In this regard, it was noted that it is necessary, together with trade unions, to develop proposals for protecting the labor rights of citizens employed on such platforms, ensuring occupational safety, and providing life and health insurance for these workers.

Particular attention was given to expanding women’s participation in social and economic life. It was emphasized that all the necessary conditions have been created for trade unions to become a leading force in supporting women and ensuring equal opportunities in the labor market. The President called for the introduction of new approaches in this area, promoting women’s social engagement and self-fulfillment.

It was also deemed advisable to hold annual discussions on the results of gender audits within labor collectives and to conduct joint work with employers to create more comfortable working conditions for women.

The Head of State also emphasized the importance of the active participation of trade unions in resolving labor disputes between employers and employees at the pre-trial stage.

At the same time, attention was drawn to the lack of a unified system for collecting information on workplace accidents and occupational diseases.

Relevant ministries were instructed, together with trade unions, to establish a single registry system for recording workplace accidents and occupational illnesses, as well as to develop a draft resolution outlining mechanisms for data collection, cause analysis, and the implementation of preventive measures.

To ensure reliable protection of workers’ rights across various industries, it was proposed to introduce a practice of regular joint meetings between ministries, agencies, and the collegial bodies of sectoral trade unions.

It was noted that, in cooperation with the International Labour Organization (ILO), Uzbekistan is developing a Decent Work Programme until 2030, which will place particular emphasis on employment, occupational safety, social protection, gender equality, youth participation, and inclusivity.

One of the pressing areas identified was the need to strengthen social protection guarantees for citizens who have lost their jobs, fallen ill, or become unable to work.

In this regard, the President emphasized the importance of accelerating the adoption of the Law “On State Social Insurance”, clearly defining the participation of both employers and employees in forming the social insurance fund.

Research conducted by scholars, veterans, and activists in the field has established that the trade union movement in Uzbekistan was founded in 1905. In this connection, the 120th anniversary of the trade union movement is being widely celebrated across the country this year.

In honor of this significant occasion, the Head of State proposed the establishment of Trade Union Parks in every region as a symbol of respect for labor and gratitude to workers.

“Once again, I am convinced that the initiatives we have launched are bringing real benefits to every labor collective, every worker, and their families. In the future as well, the noble idea ‘In the Name of Human Honor and Dignity’ will remain one of the key priorities of reforms in New Uzbekistan”, the President emphasized.

At the meeting, Shavkat Mirziyoyev warmly congratulated all participants on the 120th anniversary of the trade union movement and the upcoming Trade Unions Day.

The meeting also featured an open dialogue with representatives of trade unions, during which their proposals and initiatives were heard.

UzA