As part of the campaign “How do you live, primary?”, Deputy Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nurlan Uteshev met with members of the primary trade union organization of the RSU “National Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan” in Almaty.
Welcoming the participants, the chairman of the Trade Union Center of Almaty, Zauresh Umirbayeva, said that the primary trade union organization of the National Library has been operating since 2011 and is part of the Almaty city branch of the Branch Trade Union of Workers of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Information of Kazakhstan. 255 employees of the National Library are members of the trade union, i.e. more than 90% of the full-time staff.
Chairman of the branch of the Branch Trade Union of workers of Culture, sports, tourism and Information of Almaty and Almaty region
Saule Nurgalykova, in turn, noted that the National Library is the main and oldest library in the country with a centuries-old history.
“The activities of the primary trade union organization are carried out in accordance with the Labor Code, the Law on Trade Unions, an Industry agreement between the Ministry of Culture and Sports and the Public Association of Trade Unions of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Information of Kazakhstan. The content of the collective agreement is aimed at creating favorable conditions for the organization’s activities, ensuring effective work, improving the standard of living of employees, as well as increasing mutual responsibility of the parties,” the speaker stressed.
According to her, the organization has a conciliation commission consisting of representatives of employees and employers to negotiate and resolve labor disputes.
Saule Nurgalykova emphasized that the trade union organization of the National Library is the holder of the diploma “The best primary trade union organization” based on the results of participation in the republican contest “Strong primary – strong trade union” organized by the Branch Trade Union.
Director of the National Library Bakytzhamal Ospanova spoke about constructive social partnership in the organization.
She noted that the trade union has repeatedly raised topical issues related to the social situation of library staff, many of which have now been resolved.
“Thanks to the actions of the trade union, an initiative was put forward to create a professional holiday for librarians – Librarian’s Day, which will be celebrated on October 22,” Bakytzhamal Ospanova stressed.
Speaking about the problems in the field of librarianship, she expressed concern about the shortage of qualified specialists and librarians with higher education.
“Libraries in rural areas do not meet modern requirements for the maintenance and storage of books. Also, the state of the material and technical base of libraries cannot be called satisfactory,” the director of the National Library said.
She focused special attention on the issues of social support for cultural figures.
“On behalf of the President, I consider the increase in salaries of employees of libraries, museums and theaters by 20% from 2022 to 2025 to be a real manifestation of concern for people,” Bakytzhamal Ospanova said.
Chairman of the primary trade union organization of the National Library Aitalyn Shulenbayeva told about the work on protecting the rights and interests of employees.
“Thanks to the unity of the team, there have never been any problems between the trade union committee, the team and the employer. We are glad that the Federation of Trade Unions and the Branch Trade Union pay serious attention to the problems of workers in our industry and hold such meetings, during which, if necessary, we can ask for help and achieve a positive solution to our problems,” Aitalyn Shulenbayeva said.
The primary trade union organization of the National Library has its own good traditions – concerts are organized for employees, gifts are purchased for employees on holidays. The pensioners of the library are also not left without attention.
“On the eve of Victory Day, the trade union committee congratulated the honored veterans of the library, E. Lyubenko and R. Mendiyarova, who worked in the rear during the war. As part of the “Respect and Support for Veterans” campaign, our employees also visited the pensioner of the library Sandugash Durmagambetova, cleaned the yard and presented gifts,” Aitalyn Shulenbayeva said.
In addition, on the initiative of the trade union, charitable assistance is provided to orphanages and children’s hospitals of the city.
“The Trade Union Committee of the National Library saved money during the pandemic provided employees with the necessary means of protection relevant at that time. During the pandemic, our colleagues lost their parents, brothers and sisters. At the same time, we also provided them with financial assistance and other possible support,” Aitalyn Shulenbayeva said.
The Chairman of the NGO “Kazakhstan Branch Professional Union of Workers of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Information” Svetlana Imankulova, thanking the director of the RSU “National Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan” Bakytzhamal Ospanova for close social partnership, pointed out her great contribution to the development of librarianship in Kazakhstan.
She also noted that the draft law “On Librarianship” was sent by the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Government. In addition, she drew attention to the need for the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan to adopt the Convention of the International Labor Organization No. 131 on the establishment of the minimum wage as soon as possible.
Summing up the meeting, Deputy Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nurlan Uteshev focused on the significance of the events held in the Year of Social Partnership and assured the participants that the problematic issues, wishes and suggestions expressed will be taken into work and brought to the attention of the deputies of the Majilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Media Center of the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan