Uzbekistan’s trade unions host international dialogue on labour standards

TASHKENT (ILO News) – The Federation of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan (FTUU) together with the Bureau for Workers’ Activities (ACTRAV) of the International Labour Organization (ILO) hosted an international conference in Tashkent to discuss the role of trade unions in promoting international labour standards. The event brought together over 100 representatives from trade unions, employers, governments and experts from Central Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Balkans.

© The Federation of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan

© The Federation of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan

The conference opened with high-level remarks from Kudratila Rafikov, Chairman of the FTUU, Tanzila Narbaeva, Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, and Batyr Zakhidov, Minister of Employment and Poverty Reduction, who highlighted the importance of social dialogue and workers’ rights. Video messages from ILO ACTRAV Director Maria Helena André and the General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation Luc Triangle stressed the global priority of decent work and trade union solidarity. Maria Helena André underlined the critical role of trade unions not only in the ratification of ILO Conventions, but also in ensuring their practical implementation at the workplace through collective bargaining, education and the defence of workers’ rights. Luc Triangle emphasized international trade union solidarity and pointed to the global priorities of the ITUC – freedom of association, equality, occupational safety and health, and the elimination of forced and child labour – as foundations for peace, democracy and sustainable development.

The conference featured high-level panels with the representatives of the ILO ACTRAV, ITUC-PERC, ITUC-AFRO, Global Union Federations, national trade union centres of different countries, and discussions on freedom of association, collective bargaining, equality and non-discrimination, occupational safety and health and the elimination of forced labour and child labour. Trade union leaders from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkey and other countries shared practical experiences in implementing international labour standards at national and workplace levels.

© The Federation of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan

© The Federation of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan

Speakers from South Africa, Zambia, Nigeria, Brazil, the Republic of Korea, Singapore and several Balkan and Caucasus countries noted that despite widespread ratification of fundamental conventions, serious gaps remain in their application. These include restrictions on the right to strike, weak labour inspection systems, discrimination against women, youth and migrant workers, and slow progress in occupational safety and health. Participants stressed that these challenges are global and require stronger action by governments, employers, and trade unions alike.

The conference highlighted Uzbekistan’s progress, including eliminating forced labour in cotton production, ratifying key ILO Conventions, promoting equality and creating opportunities for youth and women. Despite progress, participants noted that challenges remain in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, including limited implementation of labour rights, weak labour inspectorates and discrimination against vulnerable groups.

The event concluded with the adoption of a conference resolution, reflecting commitments to strengthen labour rights, improve inspections, ensure equal opportunities, protect vulnerable workers and promote occupational safety and health as a fundamental right.

The event provided a platform for exchanging global best practices and reinforced the commitment of the ILO ACTRAV and the FTUU to advance decent work, social justice and sustainable development in Uzbekistan and beyond. It also confirmed the importance of building a strong international trade union movement able to respond to both regional and global challenges in the world of work.