On Thursday, May 15, the Kazakh delegation led by the Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan (FTURK), Satybaldy Dauletalin, took part in the Meeting of Trade Union Leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization countries titled “Building a Common Home for a Beautiful Future,” held in Beijing.
As part of the Meeting, in addition to the plenary session, thematic sessions are being held on cultural exchange, the role of trade unions in strengthening cooperation between SCO countries, as well as the protection of labor rights in the platform economy and the digital intellectualization of trade unions.
In his welcoming speech at the opening of the event, the head of the Kazakh delegation – Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Satybaldy Dauletalin – noted that partnership based on respect and trust is an example of shared responsibility for the future of the peoples of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization countries.
“Kazakhstan and China are strategic partners. And partnership is not only about economics and investment. It is, above all, about respect, trust, and shared values. This is precisely what our leaders – the esteemed President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the esteemed President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping – demonstrate. Their dialogue is a true example of respectful and effective interaction. We are proud of how our cooperation is developing: from logistics to education, from culture to social policy,” said the Kazakh trade union leader.
Satybaldy Dauletalin emphasized that in a changing world, trade unions must not only adapt but also modernize their activities.
“When the world is facing large-scale challenges – from technological transformations to climate threats – the idea of a common vision becomes more relevant than ever. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a home where labor is respected, rights are protected, people are valued, and solidarity is not just a slogan but the foundation of interaction. Trade unions in the region possess a unique potential – to be a force connecting states, cultures, economic models, and approaches for the common good. The Federation of Trade Unions of Kazakhstan actively promotes the principles of the New Social Contract put forward by the International Trade Union Confederation – a modern foundation for a sustainable and fair future. At its core are social equality, climate responsibility, a just transition, and inclusive growth. We firmly believe that sustainable development is impossible without strong, strategically-minded, and technologically adaptive trade unions. Trade unions should not chase change – they should shape it,” emphasized Satybaldy Dauletalin.
Speaking about the prospects for cooperation between trade union associations of SCO countries, the Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of Kazakhstan stated the commitment of Kazakh trade unions to develop interaction with regional colleagues in search of new ways to effectively protect the interests of workers.
“Trade unions are becoming architects of social stability and fair development. We are ready to strengthen dialogue, expand the horizons of partnership, and share what we value – knowledge, practices, experience. Only together can we build a sustainable system where people, labor, and justice become top priorities,” concluded FTURK Chairman Satybaldy Dauletalin.
As part of the thematic session dedicated to the protection of labor rights in the platform economy and the digital intellectualization of trade unions, the position of the Federation of Trade Unions of Kazakhstan was presented in a speech by FTURK Deputy Chairwoman Gulnara Zhumageldiyeva.
She noted that in Kazakhstan, as well as globally, there is a growth in informal, including platform-based, employment. According to expert estimates, about 1 million citizens in the country are currently engaged in various activities via internet platforms, most of whom are not covered by social guarantees.
Meanwhile, Kazakhstan is currently witnessing the formation and development of key trends and innovations such as: digitalization of labor relations, new forms of employment, and flexible schedules.
“The problems of workers engaged in informal types of labor could not find positive solutions for a long time due to the lack of legal regulation in the labor legislation of the republic. In 2021–2023, trade unions participated in the development of a new Social Code, which reflected issues of regulating flexible forms of employment: joint employment, sliding work schedules, a four-day work week by mutual agreement, and others,” said the representative of the Kazakh delegation.
Gulnara Zhumageldiyeva also noted that in regulating social and labor relations during a time of change, the Federation of Trade Unions of Kazakhstan promotes international standards, based on the recommendations and conventions of the International Labour Organization and the International Trade Union Confederation.
Touching upon the topic of the rapid development of breakthrough technologies and their impact on the labor market, the FTURK Deputy Chairwoman noted that a draft law “On Artificial Intelligence” has been developed in Kazakhstan, which includes provisions for trade union participation in protecting workers’ rights during the introduction of AI into production processes at enterprises.
In addition, as an integral part of the integration structures in the trade union community of Central Asia, the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan makes concrete proposals at the regional level. Thus, in April of this year, at the VII meeting of the Council of Trade Unions of Central Asian countries in Bishkek, the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan proposed the development of a Standard for the Protection of Workers’ Rights in the Era of AI.
“Here, the role of the social partnership institution significantly increases, which should contribute to the development of measures to prevent the alienation of workers and create a favorable working environment. It is important that states already begin forming legal, economic, and social strategies to stabilize labor relations in connection with the above-mentioned problems. Playing a key role in ensuring the responsible implementation of AI, governments must, together with business and trade unions, develop ethical frameworks and oversight mechanisms,” emphasized Gulnara Zhumageldiyeva.
According to the Kazakh speaker, at the national level, it is necessary to establish legislative restrictions for employers regarding the dismissal of employees due to the replacement of their functions by artificial intelligence without retraining or assistance in subsequent employment, as well as the creation of new jobs requiring interaction with service robots without the consent of the labor collective.
Participants of the SCO trade union leaders’ meeting agreed to intensify the exchange of experience and practices and join efforts to develop common approaches to regulating new forms of employment. Following the results of the event, corresponding Recommendations for social partners in the countries of the region were adopted.
Media Center of the Federation of Trade Unions of Kazakhstan