2018 marked as the year of the absence of major labor disputes, as well as a decrease in industrial injuries.
The work of territorial trade union associations (TOP) of the northern regions (Akmola, Karaganda, Kostanay, Pavlodar, North Kazakhstan regions and Astana) was summarized in Astana concerning human rights activities for 2018 with the participation of deputies of the Majilis of the Parliament of the RK and representatives of social partners.
During the hearing about the protection of the rights and interests of workers, the Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of Kazakhstan, Bakytzhan Abdraim, mentioned the absence of major labor disputes last year and a 20% reduction in occupational injuries, which is a positive indicator of integrated work with social partners.
Besides, the positive practice of applying modern approaches to the work of the TOP as part of the implementation of the Roadmap for the modernization of trade unions for 2018-2019, including the payment and repayment of wage arrears, safety and labor protection at work and improved working conditions was noted.
For example, in the Karaganda region, within the framework of a tripartite agreement between the regional akim, employers and TOP, the question of providing preferential conditions for governmental workers was resolved – 62,2 million tenge was allocated for the purchase of solid fuels to civil workers, and 246 young specialists were paid relocation allowances and provided soft loans for home purchase.
Moreover, Akmola region introduced electronic union tickets with CashBack function on membership fees and discount program on consumer goods and services of trade union partners.
A professional center of the Kostanay region in collobaration with social partners, has developed a risk map for labor conflicts in enterprises to exercise public control over the observance of workers’ rights in problematic enterprises. As a result of this control, all workplaces were preserved during the reorganization of one of the hospitals of the region.
According to Pavlodar region, the share of collective agreements is 90.4% of the total number of existing enterprises.
As a result, in 2018, a 36% decrease in the level of industrial injuries at enterprises of the region was noted.
The trade union center of Astana has achieved significant results in protecting the rights of workers. Last year, 200 people applied to the TOP on various issues.
Thus, the trade union center resolved the situation with the payment of salary arrears for 3 years in LLP “GLB” and LLP “Shar- Kurylys”.
Assistance was also provided with the reimbursement of debts to the nurse of the city hospital No. 9, who performed the duties of five employees, while receiving payment for 1 (1/2) position.
In addition, the Trade Union Center of Astana provided support in resolving the issue of teachers of Children’s Music School No. 3 who complained about the change in the category of supplementary education teachers from B2 to B3 in 2016, which in turn had a negative effect on salaries. At the initiative of the trade union center, this issue was included in the draft law “On the status of the teacher”.
Within the framework of the tripartite agreement, a number of questions concerning job reductions were settled. In total, 165 enterprises filed notices for the reduction of 4,118 workers in 2018, of whom only 1,307 people were released in 125 enterprises.
Following the meeting, the Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of Kazakhstan as a whole gave a positive assessment of the work done by the territorial trade union centers.
However, the meeting participants expressed concern about the low level of prevention and detection of occupational diseases, as well as the problem of unreported injuries.
In this aspect, TOP was entrusted to provide public with information on each accident, help to the family of victims and the progress of investigating incidents.
The Federation of Trade Unions of Kazakhstan intends to consistently promote the initiative of Kazakhstan joining the Vision Zero International Concept (“Zero Injuries”), developed by the International Social Security Association.
At the next reporting meeting, it is planned to consider social and labor issues in the western regions of Kazakhstan.
Reference: Vision Zero is a zero injury concept was developed by the International Social Security Association (ISSA) based on the results of a comprehensive and global study on the most effective preventive measures. The document is a practical management tool for developing a safety and health culture.