On Wednesday, December 25, the General Council of the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan (FTURK) held a meeting to review the organization’s activities in 2024, a year conducted under the banner of the Year of Decent Work.
Opening the session, FTURK Chairman Satybaldy Dauletalin highlighted the key events of the past year.
First and foremost, he emphasized the federation’s support for citizens affected by floods.
“The Federation of Trade Unions did not stand aside in the aftermath of large-scale floods: more than 225 million tenge was raised in material aid, along with 14 million tenge in humanitarian assistance for our fellow citizens impacted by the disaster. For those who lost their belongings, 45 certificates for household appliances were distributed. But most importantly, we supported people not only financially but also emotionally, providing rest and rehabilitation at trade union sanatoriums, where 214 people were accommodated,” said the FTURK Chairman.
Among other significant moments, he also mentioned the federation’s support for the construction of a nuclear power plant in the country, as addressed in the national referendum.
“The Federation issued a statement in support of the construction of a nuclear power plant, emphasizing the importance of accessible and environmentally friendly energy for industrial development and workers’ health. At the same time, we focused on the necessity of involving domestic specialists and ensuring collective civic responsibility in implementing this project,” – Satybaldy Dauletalin stressed.
Throughout 2024, the Federation of Trade Unions and its member organizations worked under the theme of the Year of Decent Work, focusing efforts on strengthening social dialogue, improving the labor rights protection system, and ensuring safe working conditions.
Speaking about strengthening social partnership, Satybaldy Dauletalin highlighted the importance of signing the General Agreement for 2024–2026, as well as 10 sectoral and 20 regional agreements, which, according to him, have laid the foundation for constructive engagement with employers and government authorities.
“This year, two meetings of the Republican Tripartite Commission on Social Partnership and Regulation of Social and Labor Relations were held. These meetings addressed issues related to the prevention and resolution of labor disputes, the development and approval of a methodology for determining the minimum wage, and reports from major enterprise leaders on the situation at their companies, including measures being taken to create high-quality and safe jobs. Similar issues were discussed at regional tripartite commission meetings across the country,” said FTURK Chairman Satybaldy Dauletalin.
Significant progress has also been noted in improving the system for protecting labor and socio-economic rights and interests of workers.
“As a result of the Federation’s persistent initiative, the Republican Tripartite Commission approved the methodology for determining the minimum wage in March. In 2024, the minimum wage was increased from 70,000 to 85,000 tenge, positively impacting the incomes of 1.8 million workers. Additionally, starting in July, forestry workers received a 100% salary supplement for hazardous working conditions. Thanks to the measures taken, 3.1 billion tenge in wage arrears was repaid, protecting the rights of over 16,500 employees,” reported Satybaldy Dauletalin.
The FTURK Chairman also noted positive trends in workplace safety and labor protection.
“According to FTURK monitoring, workplace accidents decreased by 30% over the first 10 months of 2024. Notably, in enterprises with trade unions, accidents decreased by 31%. Key factors in addressing these issues included the implementation of the Safe Labor Concept of Kazakhstan for 2024–2030, the adoption of the Industrial Safety Concept for 2024–2030, and the signing of the Roadmap for Promoting Decent Work in Kazakhstan, which outlines concrete measures to improve labor safety and occupational health legislation,” Dauletalin explained.
A significant step in strengthening workplace monitoring was the expansion of the trade union project “People’s Control”, which now covers 213 enterprises, and the implementation of the “Vision Zero” Concept, which has been adopted by more than 3,885 enterprises nationwide. In addition, trade unions successfully advocated for the restoration of the National Center for Occupational Hygiene and Occupational Diseases.
The Federation also demonstrated strong results in preventing and resolving labor disputes, with a 29% decrease in labor conflicts in 2024.
“Of the 60 recorded labor disputes, 44 (73%) were resolved without strikes through negotiations and awareness campaigns. The established action algorithm enabled effective responses to disputes, while the approved Roadmap for 2025–2026 aims to prevent them from arising. More than 1,100 labor consultations were conducted, involving approximately 9,000 workers, and 491 training seminars were held for 35,000 participants,” Satybaldy Dauletalin reported.
FTURK Chairman Satybaldy Dauletalin placed special emphasis on the breakthroughs in international cooperation, highlighting several key events in this area.
“I take great pride in the first-ever visit of ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo to Kazakhstan. He highly praised the Federation’s activities and expressed interest in cooperation on workplace safety, gender equality, youth employment, the ratification of ILO conventions, and the implementation of international labor standards,” – Dauletalin noted.
He also mentioned the agreement to hold the VERS Summer School 2025 in Kazakhstan, which will involve representatives from 54 European countries.
FTURK Vice Chairpersons provided further details on the organization’s main areas of work.
First Vice Chairman Mukhtar Tinikeev emphasized that ensuring safe working conditions remains one of FTURK’s key priorities.
This year, 852 workplace accidents occurred across the country, affecting 958 workers, including 140 fatalities. Within FTURK member organizations, 290 workplace accidents were recorded, involving – 318 workers.
FTURK representatives’ participation in working groups for labor law reforms, practical assistance provided to union members in need.
Another key focus for FTURK remains reducing social tensions in society. To prevent and resolve labor conflicts proactively, FTURK conducts daily monitoring of social tensions at both the national and regional levels.
“To address existing challenges in labor relations, the Republican Tripartite Commission approved the Roadmap for Preventing Social Tensions and Resolving Labor Disputes for 2025–2026 at its latest meeting.
FTURK and its member organizations participated in resolving 25 labor disputes, covering 9 enterprises where no FTURK-affiliated unions were present. As a result, labor conflicts across the country have decreased overall. Thanks to systematic efforts by FTURK-affiliated organizations, 29 labor disputes were successfully removed from the monitoring list,” – Tinikeev added.
The speaker stressed the importance of further improving collective agreements, reducing wage arrears, strengthening public oversight, and providing joint training for employers and employees in conflict resolution.
FTURK Vice Chair Gulnara Zhumageldieva spoke about the Federation’s legislative work, noting that its representatives participated in the review of 106 draft laws, contributing proposals for improving workplace safety and protecting labor rights.
Additionally, she highlighted the results of FTURK’s Legal Clinic and its regional branches, which handled over 3,500 requests.
Zhumageldieva emphasized FTURK’s active promotion of gender policy, which includes the implementation of the “Zero Tolerance for Workplace Violence” Concept and conducted the organization of the First Forum of Working Women of Kazakhstan
According to her, in 2025, the Commission on Women Workers’ Affairs will focus on strengthening compliance monitoring with labor legislation, closing the gender pay gap, ensuring safe working conditions for women, promoting the ratification of ILO Convention No. 190 on violence and harassment in the workplace
Vice Chair Nurlan Uteshev reported on the growing visibility of trade unions in the media and social networks.
Nurlan Uteshev stressed the importance of two major projects “How Are You, Primary Union?” and “People’s Budget”.
“The ‘How Are You, Primary Union?’ project continued throughout the reporting period. From its launch in February 2021 to 2024, a total of 2,931 meetings were held. This included 311 meetings led by FTURK leadership and 2,620 meetings organized by territorial trade union heads, involving 103,859 union members. In 2024 alone, there were 36 meetings with FTURK leadership and 669 meetings at the regional level, with 24,000 union members participating. During discussions, 307 issues were raised, of which 234 were resolved at the member organization level, while 73 remain under review,” Uteshev stated.
Regarding trade union education, Uteshev provided updates on the implementation of the following projects “Legal Training for All”, “Trade Union Task Force”, “Educational Marathon”, “Trade Union Leader School”.
FTURK and regional trade union organizations conducted 260 meetings with labor collectives under the “Legal Training for All” project, with 14,758 workers participating.
Since its launch, the online “Trade Union Leader School” has graduated six cohorts, with around 600 newly elected primary trade union leaders earning certificates upon completing a 36-hour training program.
Following the report presentations, trade union leaders who are members of the General Council shared their views on further measures to strengthen social partnership.
Orazbek Bekbas, Chairman of the Kazakhstan Sectoral Trade Union of Energy Workers, proposed that the Republican Tripartite Commission (RTC) should review a report from the Employers’ Association on achieving zero workplace injuries.
Svetlana Imankulova, Chairwoman of the Kazakhstan Sectoral Trade Union of Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Information Workers, pointed out that many sectoral tripartite commissions on social partnership are not operating efficiently.
Mirbolat Zhakypov, Chairman of the “Kyzmet” Sectoral Trade Union of Government, Banking, and Public Service Workers, suggested strengthening cooperation with social partners to implement the key provisions of the General Agreement.
Kerim Primkulov, Chairman of the Sectoral Trade Union of Chemical, Petrochemical, and Related Industries, urged his colleagues to intensify efforts to ratify ILO Conventions No. 102 (Minimum Standards of Social Security) and No. 131 (Minimum Wage Fixing, with Special Consideration for Developing Countries).
Summarizing the issues and proposals, FTURK Chairman Satybaldy Dauletalin emphasized that the Republican Tripartite Commission, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tamara Duissenova, has decided to hold quarterly meetings. These sessions will include reports from relevant ministries and enterprise leaders on the development of social partnership, workplace safety measures and labor rights protection
“Additionally, in the coming year—declared by the President of Kazakhstan as the Year of Working Professions—the Federation and its member organizations will take a more assertive approach in engaging with social partners. Regarding the ratification of ILO Conventions No. 102 and No. 131, during the Geneva session this year, Kazakhstan’s social partners—representing the Federation of Trade Unions, the Government, and the Employers’ Association—signed the Roadmap for Advancing Decent Work Principles, which includes provisions for ratifying these conventions,” Dauletalin reminded the General Council members.
Bolat Zhumabekov, Chairman of the Territorial Trade Union Association of the Karaganda Region, reported on the implementation of the Federation’s Charter and decisions. He announced that a regional agreement for 2024–2026 had been signed between the regional akimat (government), employers, and trade unions. The trade unions successfully advocated for the inclusion of a “Decent Working Conditions and Wages” section, which outline measures to improve working conditions, wage indexation policies and social support initiatives for workers
Tulegen Kazangapov, Chairman of the Sectoral Trade Union of Mechanical Engineers, presented a report on the union’s activities, which included providing financial assistance to union members, canatorium and resort treatment, training programs, participation in public and expert councils, and resolution of labor disputes
He shared case studies of labor dispute resolutions through court proceedings. According to him, in 2024, the sectoral trade union participated in 150 court cases concerning the protection of workers’ rights, all of which were resolved in favor of the employees.
The General Council meeting continued with the adoption of several resolutions, including approval of FTURK’s 2024 activity report, approval of the 2025 work plan, reparation and organization of the VERS Summer School 2025 as well as changes to the composition of the FTURK General Council.
Viktor Shchetinin, Chairman of the “Zhakhtau” Metallurgists’ Trade Union, was unanimously elected as a new member of the governing body. He shared his perspective on the Federation’s work over the past year.
“The General Council reaffirmed the importance of social dialogue and the effectiveness of collective bargaining. In the mining and metallurgical sector, where we operate, workplace safety is a particularly urgent issue. That is why the 31% reduction in workplace accidents at enterprises with trade unions is a significant achievement. We will continue advocating for the gradual modernization of equipment, improving workers’ qualifications, and strict compliance with safety regulations. In 2025, we will focus on youth engagement, career guidance, and attracting young professionals to metallurgy. Our goal is to ensure decent working conditions and strong social protection for our members,” – Shchetinin stated.
Batyr Aliev, Chairman of the Education Workers’ Trade Union of Astana, emphasized the importance of collective action in achieving positive changes.
“The increase in the minimum wage will positively impact many of our members. However, our key task remains the further increase in teachers’ salaries and the creation of more comfortable working conditions. In 2025, the Year of Working Professions, we will focus on enhancing the social protection of teaching staff and ensuring decent working conditions,” – Aliev shared.
Tleules Madyarova, a General Council member and Chairwoman of the Astana City Branch of the Construction and Housing & Utilities Workers’ Trade Union, highlighted the impressive results achieved during the Year of Decent Work.
“Extensive efforts have been made to promote the image of the “Working Person”, enhance effective interaction between social partners, and prevent labor disputes, which has helped reduce social tensions in workplace collectives. A trade union is all about teamwork, and the Sectoral Trade Union of Construction and Housing & Utilities Workers is an active member organization of FTURK. Personally, the most memorable event for me was the “KASIPODAQ WIN-2024″ Solidarity Run, organized by FTURK to mark World Day for Safety and Health at Work. The funds raised from participant contributions were donated to flood victims. Developing new mechanisms and tools to improve the efficiency of primary trade union organizations is essential—especially in motivating workers to join unions. Every new member who joins us is our victory,” – Madyarova emphasized.
Tatiana Chigvintseva, a General Council member and Chairwoman of the GRES-1 Workers’ Trade Union, expressed solidarity with her colleagues.
“The work of the Federation of Trade Unions during the Year of Decent Work has yielded positive results across many sectors, including the energy industry. Workplace safety remains our top priority, and we welcome the reduction in workplace accidents. However, we now face new challenges related to production modernization and the implementation of innovative technologies. It is crucial to ensure that personnel receive the necessary training and that safe working conditions are maintained when operating new equipment. In 2025, we will focus on improving the qualifications of our specialists and strengthening social protection for energy sector workers,” – Chigvintseva stated.
Concluding the session, FTURK Chairman Satybaldy Dauletalin outlined the key objectives for FTURK and its member organizations for the upcoming year. He also noted that 2025 will mark three major milestones the 120th anniversary of the trade union movement in Kazakhstan, the 35th anniversary of the Federation of Trade Unions, the upcoming FTURK Congress.
“We will continue promoting the concept of ‘Decent Wages for Every Worker’ and the Safe Labor Concept of the Republic of Kazakhstan until 2030′. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has declared 2025 the Year of Working Professions—a crucial step in genuinely supporting workers, which begins with recognition and respect for their contributions. We must share success stories of workers, highlight various professions and industries, and raise awareness about the value of skilled labor. Additionally, we will enhance labor and socio-economic rights protection by actively participating in legislative initiatives, including at the regional level, where we will engage ‘Enbek’ parliamentary groups in this process. We will also strengthen trade union digitalization, implementing modern digital tools to improve operational efficiency. At the same time, training for trade union leaders and professional development for trade union staff will remain a priority. Overall, we must restructure our work to achieve tangible results, ensuring that our union members receive the support and representation they expect from us,” Dauletalin concluded.
The General Council unanimously approved the official slogan for 2025, proposed by the FTURK Chairman: “Proud of the Past, Changing the Present, Believing in the Future.”
Media Center of the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan