17.10.2025

On October 17, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting with trade union representatives and veterans. 

The Head of State expressed deep respect and warm wishes to members of trade unions, thanking them for their contribution to strengthening the spirit of justice, motivation, and business activity in the labor collectives of enterprises and organizations.

- Today, we are confidently moving forward along the path of building the New Uzbekistan, setting ourselves great goals. In these challenging times, when geopolitical and economic tensions are growing around the world, we are firmly committed to strengthening peace and stability in our country and further improving the lives of our multiethnic people. This is a great merit of our hardworking, noble people – each and every one of our compatriots, – emphasized the President.

It was noted that over the past eight years, $130 billion of investment have been attracted to the country’s economy, thousands of new production facilities have been launched, and millions of permanent jobs have been created. Thanks to the development of the private sector and the creation of decent working conditions, per capita income has reached $3,5 thousand.

The President emphasized that a solid legal framework has been established in the country to protect human and labor rights and to ensure guaranteed social protection. The adoption of the new version of the Constitution, the Labor Code, and the laws “On employment of the population” and “On trade unions” has become an important step in this direction.

Uzbekistan is among the most active countries implementing the standards of the International Labour Organization. Eight years ago, the country had ratified 12 international conventions, and today their number has reached 25.

- The issue of eliminating child and forced labor had long been the most painful for us. Only thanks to strong political will and a firm position were we able to resolve this complex problem in a positive way, - noted Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Uzbekistan’s experience in this field has been recognized by the International Labour Organization and recommended as an example for other countries.

It was noted that our country is among the few states participating in the United Nations initiative “Global accelerator on jobs and social protection for just transitions”, as well as in the International Labour Organization’s “Global coalition for social justice”. Last year, Uzbekistan was elected to the ILO Governing Body.

The Head of State emphasized that trade unions – the largest and most popular public organization uniting about eight million members – have made a worthy contribution to these achievements.

- We have created all the conditions for the free and independent activity of trade unions and will continue to strictly adhere to these principles. The policy of ensuring the right to association and non-interference in their activities will be consistently pursued, - said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Active work of trade unions in protecting workers’ labor rights was noted.

In recent years, the legal interests of almost 500,000 citizens have been protected; 267 billion soums have been recovered in their favor; about 13,000 workers have been reinstated to their jobs; and 1,000 people injured at work have received compensation totaling 35 billion soums.

It was emphasized that the role and authority of trade unions are also growing at the international level. At the initiative of the Federation, the Council of Trade Unions of Central Asian Countries was established in Tashkent in 2021, and the Organization of Trade Unions of Turkic-Speaking States was created in Samarkand in 2023. Last year, the Federation joined the International Trade Union Confederation, which became an important milestone in its history.

During the meeting, further tasks for the development of the trade union movement and the improvement of labor relations were discussed.

It was proposed that, starting next year, the Republican Tripartite Commission on Social and Labor Issues (comprising the Federation of Trade Unions, the Ministry of Employment, and the Employers’ Confederation) be involved in the development of legislative acts related to the minimum wage. This will become a new approach to ensuring reliable protection of workers’ interests.

In the context of globalization and digital development, new forms of employment, such as remote and platform work, are becoming increasingly common. These sectors are becoming an integral part of the country’s economic life, and citizens employed in them are full participants in labor relations.

In this regard, it was noted that it is necessary, together with trade unions, to prepare proposals for protecting the labor rights of citizens employed on such platforms, ensuring occupational safety, and providing insurance for their life and security.

Special attention was given to expanding the participation of women in socio-economic life. It was emphasized that all conditions have been created for trade unions to become a leading force supporting women and ensuring equal opportunities in the labor market. The President called for the introduction of new approaches in this direction, promoting women’s social activity and self-realization.

It was considered advisable to hold annual discussions on the results of gender audits in labor collectives and to work jointly with employers to create more comfortable working conditions for women

The Head of State also emphasized the importance of active participation of trade unions in resolving labor disputes between employers and employees at the pre-trial stage.

At the same time, it was noted that there is no comprehensive system for collecting information on workplace accidents and occupational diseases.

The responsible ministries were instructed, together with trade unions, to create a unified system for recording workplace accidents and occupational diseases, as well as to develop a draft resolution with mechanisms for recording, analyzing causes, and developing measures to prevent such incidents.

To promote reliable protection of workers’ rights across industries, it was proposed to establish the practice of regular joint meetings between ministries, agencies, and the collegial bodies of sectoral trade unions.

It was noted that, together with the International Labour Organization, Uzbekistan is developing a Decent Work Programme until 2030, in which special attention should be given to employment, occupational safety, social protection, gender equality, youth, and inclusivity.

One of the current priorities mentioned was strengthening social support guarantees for citizens who have lost their jobs, fallen ill, or become unable to work.

In this regard, the President emphasized the need to accelerate the adoption of the Law “On state social insurance”, clearly defining the participation of employers and employees in forming the social insurance fund.

Research conducted by scholars, veterans, and activists in the field established that the trade union movement in Uzbekistan was founded in 1905. In this connection, the 120th anniversary of the trade union movement is being widely celebrated throughout the country this year.

In honor of this significant date, the Head of State proposed creating “Trade Union Parks” in every region as a symbol of respect for labor and gratitude to workers.

- I was once again convinced that the work we have initiated brings real benefits to every labor collective, every worker, and their family. From now on, the noble idea of “For the honor and dignity of a person” will remain one of the main priorities of reforms in the New Uzbekistan, - emphasized the President.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Head of State warmly congratulated all participants on the 120th anniversary of the trade union movement and the upcoming Trade Unions Day.

During the meeting, a dialogue was held with representatives of trade unions, and their proposals and initiatives were heard.