As part of the campaign “How are you living, primary union?”, the Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions, Satybaldy Dauletalin, met with the staff of the KGU “State Academic Philharmonic named after Erkegali Rakhmadiyev.”
Opening the meeting, the General Director of the Philharmonic, Erlan Dakenov, emphasized the importance of the trade union organization in the life of the institution.
“The State Academic Philharmonic named after Erkegali Rakhmadiyev is not just a concert and educational institution; it is the heart of the cultural life of the capital and the entire country. Our team consists of 660 employees, of which 140 are union members. We address all issues together with the union, whether it is secular events or financial support. The union is the representative of the working people,” he noted.
The Chairwoman of the primary trade union organization of the Philharmonic, Khalida Bylykilova, expressed her sincere gratitude to the leadership of the Federation of Trade Unions and the sectoral trade union of culture, sports, tourism, and information for their attentive attitude to the workers’ issues.
“We appreciate the constant support and attention to our needs. It gives us strength and confidence that our voices will be heard,” she said.
The Chairwoman of the sectoral trade union of culture, sports, tourism, and information, Svetlana Imankulova, informed the participants about the current state anddevelopment of the sector.
“Culture and sports are the calling cards of our state. Our artists, such as Dimash Kudaibergen, represent Kazakh art on the international stage. However, low salaries of cultural workers remain a problem that needs to be addressed. We want every worker to receive fair compensation for their labor,” she emphasized.
Svetlana Imankulova also spoke about the achievements of the sectoral trade union, which has become a member of the Republican Tripartite Commission on Social Partnership and actively participates in the work of various government commissions.
“We represent the interests of workers at all levels, including international organizations such as the International Federation of Actors and the trade unions of cultural workers from CIS countries,” added Svetlana Imankulova.
The legal adviser of the sectoral trade union, Malina Basharova, shared the initiatives being promoted in collaboration with the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
“We strive to further increase the salaries of workers in our sectors. An important step in this direction is the amendment to Government Resolution No. 1193 of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which proposes the exclusion of the term ‘basic official salary.’ This term contradicts labor legislation and the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the ‘Republican Budget,’” noted the lawyer.
She added that allowances and bonuses to the salaries of civil servants should be made in accordance with the minimum wage, which would lead to an increase in the value of the minimum wage unit (MRP).
Summarizing the meeting, the Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Satybaldy Dauletalin, emphasized that all trade union work is aimed at protecting the rights of ordinary people and promoting their interests.
“Meetings with the people are our duty because all our work is for the people. We often hear the question, ‘What is a trade union?’ It is not just an organization; it is a collective force created to meet the specific needs of working people and ensure social justice,” said Satybaldy Dauletalin.
He reminded everyone that the Federation of Trade Unions is the largest public organization in the country, with more than 2 million members, 23 branches, and 18 regional trade union centers.
Speaking about the urgent issues discussed by the meeting participants, the Chairman of the FPRK noted that the main one was the issue of wages.
“In the past four years, the minimum wage has doubled, and our task is to ensure that the minimum wage does not fall below 50% of the average wage—these are international standards,” he explained.
The second issue that Satybaldy Dauletalin drew attention to was the indexing of wages.
“The development of Kazakhstan, progress, and the independence of our country—this is all thanks to the labor of ordinary people. Respect for labor, creating decent conditions for workers, and ensuring them with fair wages are the duties of every state,” emphasized Satybaldy Dauletalin.
Additionally, he highlighted the importance of the collective agreement, which serves as the “small constitution” of any institution.
“Thanks to this document, trade union organizations can introduce social benefits and norms necessary for workers and address the problems faced by labor collectives,” said the Head of the FPRK.
At the meeting, a philharmonic staff member addressed the trade union leaders, requesting support due to the expensive treatment his son requires.
In response, Satybaldy Dauletalin expressed deep support, noting that trade union solidarity would not allow the Federation to remain indifferent to the problems of its members.
“We will study your situation and consider the possibility of providing assistance. This matter will be under my personal control,” assured Satybaldy Dauletalin.
At the meeting, outstanding figures of art expressed their gratitude to the trade union leaders, emphasizing the important role of the union in protecting the interests of cultural workers.
People’s Artist of Kazakhstan, Maiya Ilyasova, noted that the meeting provided an opportunity for the Philharmonic workers to see that their voices and problems do not go unnoticed by those who defend them.
“The trade union is not just an organization; it is our collective strength and support. Thanks to their work, we can develop, create, and achieve results. I urge all my colleagues to unite within the ranks of the trade union,” said the singer. Her words were met with loud applause from the audience.
The event concluded with an award ceremony, during which the achievements of the Philharmonic employees were recognized.
A letter of gratitude from the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan was awarded to wardrobe worker Zhaksygul Tusmaganbetova and the Chairwoman of the primary trade union organization, Khalida Bylykilova. The Honorary Certificate of the FPRK was presented to costume designer Zauresh Barbasova.
The FPRK Medal “Enbekozaty” was awarded to costume designer Anar Kulova, and the FPRK Medal “For Active Work in the Trade Union” was given to the artistic director of the “Shalkyma” folk dance ensemble, Abdirakul Eskeev.
The FPRK Medal “For Contribution to the Kazakhstan Trade Union Movement” was awarded to well-known figures—People’s Artist of Kazakhstan Maiya Ilyasova, as well as honored figures of Kazakhstan Svetlana Aitbaeva and Araylim Rakhim.
The FPRK Medal “Veteran of the Trade Union” was presented to the head of the folk song department, Seisenbay Syzdykov.
Several Philharmonic staff members were also recognized with awards from the sectoral trade union.
Media Center of the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan.