In its letter to the President of Kazakhstan dated August 12th, 2014, the WFTU Secretariat protests against the unacceptable decision to deprive workers of the right to form their own trade unions and the criminalization of trade union activity.
“The World federation of Trade unions is concerned about the fact that on the 11th June the Senate passed the law “on trade unions” which was then signed by the President on the 27th June by which workers are deprived of the right to form their own independent trade unions. All such organizations will be under threat of being disbanded.
Furthermore, the rights of the trade unions in relation to the initiation of labour conflicts, the negotiation of collective agreements and the organization and participation in strikes have been significantly restricted.
The World Federation of Trade Unions is denouncing the government and parliament of Kazakhstan for the discrimination against workers who wish to form their own organisations free from the control of the authorities and employers, for undemocratic violation of trade union and human rights.”
The letter concludes:
“The World Federation of Trade Unions recognises the fact that from the side of the state the process of the criminalisation of trade unions is being pursued, labour legislation is becoming harsher, there is an actual ban on strikes and of any actions in support of demands for increasing wages, improving labour conditions and the review of collective agreements, and there is a reduction even in the role of the official trade unions and a worsening of labour conditions.
The World Federation of Trade Unions calls on the President of Kazakhstan to review these discriminatory laws, which restrict the rights and freedoms of workers in the organisation of their associations, for the conduct of meetings, strikes and other activities, aimed at the defence of their legal interests. The law “On trade unions” and the Criminal code of the country should be brought into line with the ILO Convention, international agreements and other documents signed by the government of Kazakhstan.
The World Federation of Trade Unions offering international recognition to its affiliate ZHANARTU will continue to expose the abovementioned facts to the international community and International Organizations.”
