On Monday, February 24, during a working trip to Almaty, the Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan (FPRK), Satybaldy Dauletalin, participated in an extended meeting of the Coordinating Council of the Territorial Union of Trade Unions of the southern metropolis.
The Chairperson of the Almaty Trade Union Center, Zauresh Umirbayeva, spoke about the activities of the Territorial Union of Trade Unions and the implementation of the set tasks for the coming year.
“Our Trade Union Center works to protect the labor and socio-economic interests of workers through the trade union activists and organizations of the city. In all enterprises where trade unions are active, daily monitoring of the social and labor situation is conducted. Today, at enterprises with our trade union presence, there are no risks of social tensions: salaries are paid on time, and labor relations are under the control of trade unions,” noted Zauresh Umirbayeva.
Currently, 705 primary trade union organizations operate at enterprises and organizations in Almaty, united into 9 branches and 6 local trade unions, coordinated and consolidated by the Territorial Union of Trade Unions. At present, about 100,000 union members’ labor and socio-economic rights are under the protection of the trade unions.
Reports on trade union activities were presented by Serikzhan Baiguttinov, Chairman of the city local trade union “Ustaz,” and Danagul Aynakulova, Chairman of the branch of the sectoral trade union “Kyzmet.”
During the meeting, Deputy Chairman of the FPRK Gulnara Zhumageldiyeva discussed the FPRK’s legislative activities and the Federation’s initiatives on improving the wage system, strengthening public control in occupational safety and health, expanding the legislative powers of technical inspectors, among others.
Director of the FPRK Media Center, Gulmira Karakozova, emphasized the importance of information support and promotion of trade union activities.
The Chairman of the FPRK Youth Council, “Keleshek,” Ayan Salimgereev, called on his colleagues to develop and support youth trade union initiatives. Participants — representatives of primary trade union organizations — asked their questions and made proposals to the FPRK leadership.
Answering the questions and continuing the dialogue, Chairman Satybaldy Dauletalin emphasized that such meetings have become a direct communication channel with ordinary trade union members.
“Each meeting allows us to keep our finger on the pulse, respond quickly to urgent issues, and find solutions together. It is important how the chairs of primary organizations position themselves. On the ground, they are the most important people in the trade union system of Kazakhstan. I am very grateful to them. They are on the front line every day, working with problems and solving them. Therefore, training trade union leaders and improving their qualifications is one of our main tasks,” he noted.
Speaking about the historical role of trade unions, Dauletalin provided a clear example: “Trade unions are an important part of civil society with a 120-year history and readiness to assist in any difficult situation. If not for trade unions, workers would not have many rights that are now taken for granted:
- an 8-hour workday and a 40-hour work week,
- overtime pay,
- annual paid leave,
- paid sick leave,
- paid maternity and parental leave,
- labor pensions, and much more.
All these guarantees were won by trade unions,” said the Head of the FPRK.
According to him, the Federation of Trade Unions and its member organizations continue working to improve the system for protecting workers’ labor and socio-economic rights, including participation in lawmaking at the regional level.
“President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has declared 2025 the Year of Working Professions. This is a vital step toward supporting working people, starting with respect and recognition of their valuable labor. The term ‘worker’ is gradually being replaced by ‘highly skilled specialist.’ Trade unions must strengthen career guidance efforts to improve the public perception of working professionals. By 2030, the demand for personnel in Kazakhstan will reach 1.6 million people, including more than 400,000 specialists in working professions. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure an influx of young workers into production,” Dauletalin said.He also pointed out that 2025 will mark other significant milestones — the 120th anniversary of the Kazakhstani trade union movement and the 35th anniversary of the Federation of Trade Unions.
“A lot of work lies ahead. We must continue promoting the concept of ‘Decent Wages for Every Worker.’ Only decent pay can raise living standards, stimulate consumer demand, boost the competitiveness of Kazakhstani companies, and ensure stable economic growth. We will continue active participation in implementing the Concept of Safe Labor in Kazakhstan until 2030. The FPRK will also strengthen cooperation with the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), and foreign trade union centers. In July 2025, for the first time, Kazakhstan will host the Summer School of the Pan-European Regional Council (PERC-2025), with representatives from 54 European countries participating,” he added. Participants noted the importance of receiving information and guidance directly from the FPRK Chairman.
“Union members in Almaty know and are confident that we are not alone; we are part of a big team and can always count on the support and assistance of the Federation of Trade Unions,” emphasized Madina Sadykova, a lawyer of the Trade Center, and Galina Samotokina, the Head of the Almaty City Organization of the Sectoral Trade Union of Education and Science of Kazakhstan. The meeting ended with an awards ceremony. Chairman Satybaldy Dauletalin presented Certificates of Honor and “Enbek Ozaty” medals for active support of workers and promotion of the trade union movement to enterprise employees and trade union activists.
Media Center of the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan