On September 26-27, the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku, is hosting an International Conference on the topic: “Climate Change and a Just Transition: The Role and Actions of Trade Unions.” The event, organized by the Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation (ATUC) in cooperation with ILO-ACTRAV, PERC, and ITUC, has become a platform for serious dialogue between leaders of National Trade Union Centers, international experts, and policymakers, united by a common goal — to find paths to a sustainable future.
The importance of implementing the concept of a Just Transition as a key tool for ensuring the protection of workers’ labor and social rights in the context of climate change was emphasized by the Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Satybaldy Dauletalin, during the thematic panel session “Just Transition in the Caucasus and Central Asia.”
“The trade unions’ perspective on climate change is simple: ‘There are no jobs on a dead planet.’ Therefore, climate is a trade union issue,” noted the Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of Kazakhstan.
According to him, the significance of climate-related issues is increasing every year.
“Climate change is not just a topic for the future; it is the reality of our time. We must act proactively and not let the situation worsen,” urged Satybaldy Dauletalin.
He provided a striking example of an ecological disaster—the Aral Sea, which has become a symbol of the destructive impact of humans on nature and a global-scale environmental catastrophe.
“The most critical task of our time is to reduce the harmful effects of the Aral crisis on the environment and the livelihoods of the millions living in the Aral Sea region,” he said.
Satybaldy Dauletalin emphasized the importance of government support for the population in areas affected by ecological disasters.
“In Kazakhstan, a number of measures have been adopted at the legislative level to provide social protection to citizens affected by environmental disasters,” noted the Head of the Federation of Trade Unions of Kazakhstan.
He elaborated on the mechanisms for protecting natural resources and public health provided in Kazakhstan.
“In accordance with the amendments made to the Water Code of Kazakhstan in 2023, water bodies that undergo changes due to economic activities or natural processes, threatening public health, plant and animal life, and the state of the environment, can be declared zones of an ecological emergency or ecological disaster. In turn, the Labor Code establishes the right to additional guarantees for workers engaged in activities in ecological disaster zones,” added Satybaldy Dauletalin.
He also emphasized the particular importance of protecting labor rights and ensuring a comprehensive approach to addressing the problems of ecological disasters and the social protection of those affected in the context of climate change.
He placed special emphasis on the role of trade unions, which, in his view, should take an active role in solving this global problem.
“In order to improve the situation of workers in ecological disaster zones, trade unions are carrying out targeted efforts to establish additional social protection measures. For instance, in social partnership documents (agreements, collective agreements), trade unions have managed to secure norms and provisions for the establishment of benefits (such as additional payments and extra leave) in regions exposed to radiation, for additional payments for work in hot and cold weather conditions, for obligations to take measures to prevent negative environmental impacts, and for increasing accountability for the state of the environment. They have also secured provisions for environmental safety measures and for disseminating knowledge on environmental safety among all population groups,” added Satybaldy Dauletalin.
The idea that trade unions should be at the forefront of climate change efforts was continued in the speech by the Deputy Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of Kazakhstan, Gulnara Zhumageldieva, who noted that the problem of climate change can no longer be ignored as it affects each of us.
“The impact of climate change worldwide is leading to negative consequences for people, biodiversity, and various sectors of the economy,” said Gulnara Zhumageldieva.
According to her, trade unions must play an active role in the development, implementation, and monitoring of national sustainable development policies and contribute to social dialogue at all levels. She also highlighted the need to develop and promote policies and action plans for a Just Transition to ensure employment and social protection for workers.
Over the course of two days, conference participants engaged in panel discussions to share experiences and best practices on topics related to a Just Transition, climate change, and workers’ rights. The conference also featured interactive sessions aimed at developing action plans and strategies to enhance trade unions’ participation in climate negotiations, as well as meetings to foster cooperation between various stakeholders.
During the conference, Deputy General Secretary of the ITUC for Africa, Eric Manzi, the Director of the ILO Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Mikhail Pushkin, and the Director of the ILO Bureau for Workers’ Activities, Maria Helena André, spoke about the global consequences of climate change and the steps being taken by international organizations in this direction. The experts emphasized the special role of trade unions and the importance of strengthening mutual dialogue.
The conference participants concluded that global cooperation is the only way to address the problems posed by current challenges.
On the sidelines of the conference, the Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Satybaldy Dauletalin, held a series of meetings with the heads of national trade union centers, members of the Organization of Trade Unions of Turkic States. The trade union leaders exchanged views on issues of organizational interaction and coordination of efforts to protect the rights and interests of workers, as well as the further development of the activities of the international trade union integration structure.
Additionally, Satybaldy Dauletalin had bilateral meetings with Maria Helena André, Director of the ACTRAV Workers’ Bureau, Sergiyus Glovatskas, Head of the Central Asia and Eastern Europe Sector of the ILO Workers’ Bureau, and Kemal Özkan, Deputy General Secretary of the Global Union IndustriALL.
During the negotiations, they discussed strengthening and developing cooperation, key aspects of implementing international standards into national legislation, and promoting social justice and decent work.
Media Center of the Federation of Trade Unions of Kazakhstan