The working visit of the delegation of the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan, led by FPRK Chairman Satybaldy Dauletalin, to Geneva continued with participation in the session of the General Council of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and a series of important meetings with leaders of the international trade union movement and foreign colleagues.
During the ITUC General Council session, delegates from national trade union centers discussed the current agenda of the global trade union movement, including union actions in light of the New Social Contract, the transition to a just economy, the fight against labor market inequality, and trade union positions on climate change and other challenges.
Participants of the General Council deliberated on ITUC’s cooperation with trade union organizations globally, including BRICS unions and the L20 trade union group.
ITUC General Secretary Luca Visentini presented the General Council with a report on ITUC’s main activities, ongoing operations, and the goals and objectives of the international trade union movement for the upcoming period.
To achieve the set goals, he called on the global trade union movement for effective partnership and solidarity in actions to benefit workers amid changing economic situations and social challenges.
The development of international dialogue with the trade union movement of Kazakhstan was discussed at a meeting between the Vice-President of the Pan-European Regional Council of the ITUC, Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan Satybaldy Dauletalin, and ITUC General Secretary Luca Visentini, held on the sidelines of the ITUC General Council.
The parties discussed key areas of cooperation, including the implementation of ITUC recommendations and the promotion of international standards at the national level.
Satybaldy Dauletalin informed Luca Visentini about the work of the Kazakh trade union movement in promoting the principles of social justice, developing social partnership, initiatives to improve national labor legislation, and strengthening international dialogue and trade union solidarity at both national and cross-country levels.
“Unity among trade unions is our strength. The global challenges of today demand unity and coordinated actions from us. We value the opportunity to exchange experiences and ideas. This allows us to stand united for a new economic and social model based on democracy and social justice, placing the Worker at its core,” noted Satybaldy Dauletalin.
The ITUC General Secretary welcomed the Federation of Trade Unions of Kazakhstan’s commitment to cooperation in creating better working conditions for all workers, noting the importance of developing dialogue on social and labor relations and democratic transformations.
It is worth noting that the ITUC brings together 332 national trade centers from 163 countries and regions, with a total membership of over 200 million trade union members.
The discussion on cooperation continued during a meeting between FPRK Chairman Satybaldy Dauletalin and IndustriALL Global Union Deputy General Secretary Kemal Özkan.
Trade union leaders exchanged views on partnership with sectoral trade unions of Kazakhstan’s coal industry.
Satybaldy Dauletalin emphasized that the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan (FPRK) is taking significant measures to ensure safety and improve working conditions for industry workers. This includes FPRK’s initiatives incorporated into Kazakhstan’s Safe Labor Concept for 2024-2030, reducing the retirement age for miners, improving occupational health, and strengthening the institution of state control.
Moreover, the Federation of Trade Unions is advocating for the adoption of a National Program for the Sustainable Development of the Coal Industry, which should address employment issues and implement effective, modern measures to ensure accident-free operations and reduce the number of accidents, alongside the industry’s development prospects.
“The Federation of Trade Unions aims to align its work with international standards. We are focused on promoting a New Social Contract that addresses the current challenges of the labor market. Much depends on the trade unions and the consolidation of our joint actions,” added Satybaldy Dauletalin.
IndustriALL Global Union Deputy General Secretary Kemal Özkan noted the importance of transformations in Kazakhstan’s labor sector and expressed support for FPRK’s efforts to promote international labor standards in the interests of Workers.
Both parties confirmed their intention to actively develop cooperation by agreeing on an upcoming visit by Kemal Özkan to Kazakhstan, planned at the invitation of the Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Satybaldy Dauletalin.
The Global Union IndustriALL represents the interests of 50 million workers in 140 countries worldwide, engaged in mining, energy, and manufacturing sectors. It is one of the forces of the global solidarity movement, fighting for better working conditions and trade union rights around the world.
One of the significant events during the visit of Kazakhstan’s trade union leaders to Geneva was the meeting of the Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions, Satybaldy Dauletalin, with Japanese colleagues – Tomoko Yoshino, President of the Japanese Trade Union Confederation (RENGO, JTUC), and Ryo Saito, Director of RENGO’s International Relations Department.
The discussion focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation, exchanging experience between trade union centers, and improving the potential of human resources, including through joint projects under the JILAF educational program.
The Japan International Labour Foundation (JILAF), established in 1989 by the Japanese Trade Union Confederation, aims to facilitate the exchange of experiences and conduct training seminars to promote the development of healthy socio-economic relations in developing countries.
Both parties expressed their interest in strengthening cooperation and sharing experiences on relevant trade union agenda issues, as well as organizing joint events. Specific directions and goals of cooperation between the trade unions of Kazakhstan and Japan will be developed during a bilateral meeting of the heads of the national trade union centers in Tokyo.
Media Center of the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan