ILO and Uzbekistan trade unions discuss social insurance

TASHKENT (ILO News) – On 19 June, the International Labour Organization (ILO) met with the Federation of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan (FTUU) to discuss the implementation of Uzbekistan’s new Social Insurance Law and other key social protection issues.

The new Social Insurance Law is being implemented in a phased manner – the maternity benefit was implemented at the beginning of 2026, the sickness benefit will be introduced in July the same year, while the unemployment protection scheme is expected to be implemented in 2030. Uzbekistan is moving from employer-liability-based schemes to social insurance schemes, with responsibility for social protection shifting from employers to the State.

In this context, the meeting focused on the views of workers’ representatives on the implementation of the new law, with particular attention to sickness benefits and the future design of the unemployment benefit scheme.

During the discussions, concerns were raised regarding the adequacy of sickness benefits, as well as the effectiveness of the planned unemployment benefit scheme and how it would interact with the current severance payment scheme. The FTUU also expressed interest in learning more about international best practices and relevant international labour standards related to unemployment protection.

The discussion also covered occupational safety and health issues, with FTUU highlighting the need to strengthen preventive measures to reduce workplace injuries and improve workers’ protection.

The ILO will continue to work closely with the FTUU and workers’ representatives to advance sound policymaking through effective social dialogue. This remains critical to ensuring that Uzbekistan’s social protection system continues to evolve in a way that delivers adequate, inclusive and sustainable protection for all, leaving no one behind.

© ILO

© ILO