Experience, Tradition, and Modern Approaches: Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Russia Celebrates 35th Anniversary
Experience, tradition, and continuity across generations form a solid foundation for the future development of Russia’s trade unions. This was stated by a State Duma Deputy and General Secretary of the General Confederation of Trade Unions Viktor Pinsky at the ceremonial General Council meeting of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Russia (FNPR). The event took place on September 19th in Moscow, marking two significant anniversaries: the 35th anniversary of the FNPR’s founding and the 120th anniversary of the trade union movement in Russia.
"I congratulate you on the 35th anniversary of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Russia! This is a special occasion for me. For more than 20 of these 35 years, I have been part of our country’s trade union movement. Since its establishment, the Federation has always fulfilled its main mission—protecting the rights and interests of working people. Together, we have defended social guarantees for Russians, fought for higher wages, and campaigned for workplace safety. The FNPR influences labor legislation and socio-economic development in our country," noted Pinsky in his speech. During the General Council meeting, he presented letters of appreciation from Vyacheslav Volodin, State Duma Chairman, to trade union leaders.
Sergey Chernogayev, head of the FNPR, delivered a keynote report on the mission, goals, and values of the trade unions.
"The mission of the FNPR is to reliably protect the social and labor rights of every worker in our country. We stand for decent work, safe working conditions, and fair pay. The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Russia ensures legal and social security for millions of Russian workers. The FNPR unites national and interregional trade unions, territorial associations, and primary trade union organizations, working across all regions of the Russian Federation. Our mission is not just a formal commitment, but real support and development of Russia’s human capital, as well as our care for the life quality of union members and their families," he explained.
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory address to the FNPR activists, emphasizing the significant role of trade unions in protecting workers’ rights and strengthening social stability.
"Russia’s trade union movement has a rich history and wonderful traditions. Trade unions have always played a crucial role in protecting the rights and interests of workers, and over the years it has done a lot to improve labor legislation and addressed crucial social issues. It is heartening that the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Russia preserves and develops the legacy of its predecessors and is rightfully considered one of the most important and key institutions of civil society in our country. You make a significant contribution to strengthening social stability and justice, harmonizing labor relations in Russia, and building constructive dialogue between the state, employer associations, and trade unions. Such diverse and in-demand work deserves deep recognition," the message stated.
The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Russia is the largest member organization of the General Confederation of Trade Unions. The national trade union center represents 19 million workers from 44 trade unions operating in 86 regions of the country. The Federation participates in the development of model legislation for the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and actively and consistently collaborates with trade union centers in CIS, Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), and BRICS countries.
GCTU News
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Viktor Pinsky: GCTU Should Play a Leading Role in Organizing Trade Union Education in the CIS
Viktor Pinsky, Secretary General of the General Confederation of Trade Unions (GCTU), believes that the GCTU should take a leading role in developing a system for training, retraining, and upgrading the skills of personnel, exchanging experiences, and educating leaders and trade union activists across the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)
"We already have successful experience in organizing trade union education. This year over 400 people from six countries participated in the GCTU’s first two educational programs. The idea to launch such programs came directly from the requests of our member organizations. Internships are another in-demand format, especially among young people. They provide an opportunity to personally visit international organizations and see their work from the inside," said Viktor Pinsky.
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For trade unions, March 8 is not just a day of spring and renewal.
For trade unions, March 8 is not just a day of spring and renewal.
For trade unions, March 8 is not merely a day of spring and renewal. Above all, it is an opportunity to once again reflect on the role of women in the world of work and in global development as a whole. Today, women perform 55% of the world’s total labor. They work longer hours than men—by 6 to 13 hours per week—and still earn less: on average, women’s wages amount to 66–84% of men’s wages, depending on the country. There is objective evidence that the more a country values women’s labor and the smaller the gender pay gap, the more developed its economy. A special issue is the “invisibility” of women’s domestic and, as experts call it, reproductive labor. This is why trade unions should continue to fight for justice for working women.
I congratulate all women of the CIS, my colleagues in the parliamentary corps, and women in trade unions on International Women’s Day. I wish you justice, decent work, success, and prosperity!
Viktor Pinsky
General Secretary of the General Confederation of Trade Unions, Member of the State Duma
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General Confederation of Trade Unions Proposes Securing Trade Union Rights in Enterprise Bankruptcy
General Confederation of Trade Unions Proposes Securing Trade Union Rights in Enterprise Bankruptcy
The General Confederation of Trade Unions’ (GCTU) proposals are reflected in the draft CIS model law “On Cross-Border Insolvency and Bankruptcy.”
Trade unions must have the right to represent and protect workers’ interests in the bankruptcy of international companies, according to Viktor Pinsky, Member of the State Duma of the Russian Federation and General Secretary of the GCTU.