In Baku, during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), a roundtable discussion titled “A Call to Action for Just Transition Through Sustainable Enterprises Enhancing Practical Implementation of the UNFCCC” commenced. Mukhtar Tinikeev, the First Deputy Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan (FPRK), is participating in the forum.
The focus of today’s session, involving international experts such as national government representatives, major industrial enterprises, and trade union leaders, is on developing a sustainable economy in conjunction with the process of achieving a Just Transition.
According to the organizers, national environmental programs have been developed and adopted, “green” legislation has been improved, and various climate projects are being implemented in COP29 participant countries. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains a topic of discussion. It has become evident that fulfilling commitments under the Paris Agreement is fraught with challenges, especially for countries with underdeveloped economies and social support systems.
International experts emphasize that the upcoming energy transition must consider all adaptation risks and address the needs of all population groups.
The Federation of Trade Unions of Kazakhstan’s Position
Representing the FPRK’s stance on Just Transition, Mukhtar Tinikeev presented recommendations developed by the Federation to address adaptation, employment, retraining, and social protection measures for workers and their families in response to potential job reductions in high-carbon industries.
This issue is particularly relevant in Kazakhstan’s energy sector, where coal-based power generation dominates, and about 30,000 people are employed in coal mining. In mining towns, wages contribute 50–60% of household incomes, and in many mining families, wages are the sole source of income. However, long-term plans for developing the coal industry in Kazakhstan are insufficiently addressed, especially at the enterprise level. Both coal producers and workers need a clear vision of the future of coal generation.
Tinikeev highlighted that coal is one of the primary sources of carbon dioxide emissions worldwide, but it only becomes so when burned. Alternative coal usage methods, such as installing efficient emission capture technologies and developing coal synthesis and coal chemistry, could support a gradual transition in coal-mining regions without significant socio-economic shocks.
Tinikeev also expressed concerns about the lack of comprehensive, long-term strategies for coal industry development in Kazakhstan and emphasized the need for green jobs to meet decent work standards, including fair wages, career growth opportunities, workers’ rights, and safe working conditions.
Trade Unions’ Role in Climate Policy
“The task of trade unions is to respond promptly and adequately to new harmful production factors to minimize or eliminate their impact on humans,” said Tinikeev. He underscored the importance of targeted informational efforts to raise awareness about the impact of climate change on human rights, including the right to work and decent labor conditions. The Federation advocates for developing methodologies to assess climate change’s impact on human rights, conducting sociological research, and establishing indicators to ensure human rights in a Just Transition framework.
Trade unions must be included in multi-party negotiations to shape and implement climate policies. Examples from international practice demonstrate the benefits of involving trade unions in drafting labor-related regulatory acts.
The FPRK has submitted a proposal to the Government of Kazakhstan, expressing its readiness to participate in discussions and the development of national climate-related projects.
Climate Change Strategy
With support from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the international trade union movement, the FPRK is actively studying climate issues and developing action plans. The Federation has conducted its research to analyze the climate situation in Kazakhstan, identify potential risks, and define its strategic goals. The efforts primarily focus on realizing the principles of Just Transition. At international events, the FPRK has also presented its Strategy for Trade Union Action on Climate Change and Just Transition.
The FPRK prioritizes social dialogue and integrating trade unions into state programs and regulatory documents as key participants in ensuring Just Transition.
Furthermore, trade unions emphasize the need to cultivate a culture of dialogue, knowledge exchange, and mutual consultations to enhance resource efficiency, reduce waste, and adopt clean technologies and production methods. These efforts aim to expand productive employment and implement the concept of decent work.
According to Tinikeev, it is crucial to promote formal employment and ensure decent work, especially in sectors dealing with waste management and recycling. Support for enterprises and workers affected by the transition to an environmentally sustainable economy is also necessary.
Agreements and Achievements
The FPRK works through a social partnership system. In the General Agreement between the Government of Kazakhstan, national employer associations, and trade unions for 2024–2026, the parties agreed to prioritize worker safety, improve working conditions, and enhance industrial and environmental safety to preserve human capital.
Regional and sectoral agreements, as well as collective bargaining agreements in member organizations of the FPRK, include provisions for addressing environmental impacts.
These documents include provisions for additional payments for working in extreme weather conditions, benefits in radiation-prone regions, and measures to mitigate environmental harm. The agreements also promote environmental safety and awareness among all population groups.
Currently, trade unions are focusing on including climate adaptation measures in agreements, such as social benefits for workers and long-term programs for addressing climate challenges.
Media Center of the Federation of Trade Unions of Kazakhstan