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Salaries on the Rise and Fall: How Workers’ Earnings Changed in CIS Countries
In the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), wages are still unevenly distributed: workers in raw materials, finance, and high-tech industries earn much more than those in socially important fields like public services and agriculture. At the same time, in most CIS countries, both nominal and real wages increased in 2025. The General Confederation of Trade Unions analyzed salary trends both across the CIS as a whole and in specific economic sectors.
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Role of Public Diplomacy in International Relations Discussed in Russia’s State Duma
Diplomacy takes many forms, but its core purpose is to maintain dialogue, identify common interests, and bring them to fruition, stated Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. He was responding to a question from the State Duma Deputy and General Secretary of the General Confederation of Trade Unions Viktor Pinsky regarding the role and significance of public diplomacy in strengthening peace, stability, and good-neighborly relations.
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Wages Come First: General Confederation of Trade Unions Pushes for Stronger Worker Protections in Cross-Border Bankruptcy
In case of a company’s bankruptcy within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), employees should be given priority in receiving earned wages, according to the General Confederation of Trade Unions (GCTU). This applies to both foreign workers and employees of transnational companies. The GCTU proposes clarifying the procedure for foreign workers to access wage recovery in the CIS model law On Cross-Border Insolvency (Bankruptcy), which is being drafted by a working group of the Interparliamentary Assembly of CIS Member States. The international trade union association aims to secure privileged rights for workers to receive payments, based on the civil codes of CIS countries and ILO Convention No. 95.
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The Confederation of Labour of Kazakhstan has proposed amending the Constitution of Kazakhstan to grant trade unions the right of legislative initiative
The Confederation of Labour of Kazakhstan (CLK) believes that the Constitution of Kazakhstan should be amended to include the right of legislative initiative for trade unions. This proposal for revising the country’s fundamental document was set out in a letter from CLK Secretary General Murat Mashkenov, sent on February 2nd to President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
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Unified Repository of Collective Agreements and Smart Contracts: GCTU Sets the Vector for Trade Union Digital Transformation
Trade unions risk losing their ability to effectively protect workers rights amid the growth of the platform economy without rapid digital transformation. Experts from the General Confederation of Trade Unions (GCTU) in the academic essay Social Dialogue in a Polycentric World view digitalization as a strategic priority, without which it is impossible to maintain the regulatory role of the trade union movement in labor relations.
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How to Prevent "Serfdom" in the Platform Economy: A Study by the General Confederation of Trade Unions
The blurring of employment boundaries, the rejection of employer status, and the denial of basic social guarantees to workers affect millions employed in the platform economy, according to a new academic essay Social Dialogue in a Polycentric World by the General Confederation of Trade Unions (GCTU).
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Holidays in 2026: All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center Studies Production Calendars of Eight CIS Countries
In the new year, the “eight” countries—Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan—citizens of Azerbaijan will enjoy the biggest number of the days off: 124, while Belarusians will have the fewest: 111.
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Digitalization Trend: Innovations in Labor Legislation Across CIS Countries Analyzed by the General Confederation of Trade Unions
A trend toward digitalization in labor legislation has taken shape across the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), according to a study On Certain Changes in Labor Legislation in CIS Countries in 2025 by the General Confederation of Trade Unions (GCTU). The study materials are available on the website of the international trade union association.
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Viktor Pinsky: “Main Trade Union Principles – Solidarity and Unity – Help Look Confidently into the Future”
Viktor Pinsky, Secretary General of the GCTU, congratulated the heads of GCTU’s affiliated organizations, trade union activists and trade union members on New Year 2026.
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Difference in Wages between Men and Women Investigated by the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Russia
The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Russia (FNPR) surveyed 38,000 men and women to investigate the difference in their wages in similar positions. Trade unions want equal pay for work of equal value.
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Supporting Mechanisms for Healthcare Workers at the International and National Levels Discussed in Uzbekistan
Anatoly Domnikov, President of the International Confederation of Trade Unions of Healthcare Workers (MKPRZ), and Olga Zhankevich, Secretary General of the MKPRZ, held a working meeting with Farkhodjon Khanapiyaev, Chairman of the Republican Council of the Trade Union of Healthcare Workers of Uzbekistan, and Bakhtiyor Makhmadaliev, Deputy Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan. The parties discussed the socio‑economic situation in the healthcare sector of Uzbekistan, reviewed the supporting mechanisms for medical workers, outlined the main issues on the agenda of the upcoming MKPRZ congress and formed a plan for bilateral cooperation between the trade unions of Russia and Uzbekistan.
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Belarus Drafted a Bill on New Guarantees for Workers
10-minute breaks in the heat and cold, the official registration of the remote working model, and documents on labor protection in an electronic form – such novelties are included in the draft law, which was developed by the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus (FPB). The bill was discussed on December 23 in Minsk at a meeting of the National Council on Labour and Social Issues, which comprises representatives of the Government, trade unions and employers’ associations.
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New Minimum Wage Campaign: Current Tasks of the General Confederation of Trade Unions Discussed at Meetings of the Executive Committee and Council of the GCTU
Meetings of the Executive Committee and the Council of the General Confederation of Trade Unions (GCTU) were held in Moscow on December 8. Trade union leaders from Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan discussed current socio-economic issues, achievements and new areas of work of the GCTU.
One of the main issues considered at the meeting of the Executive Committee was the results of the GCTU’s solidarity campaign “Minimum Wage – to Minimum Subsistence Level”. Currently, in many CIS countries, the minimum wage is significantly higher than the subsistence minimum. In Uzbekistan, the minimum wage is almost twice as high as the subsistence minimum; in Russia, the minimum wage will be more than 30% higher than the subsistence minimum starting from January 1, 2026. Members of the Executive Committee of the GCTU are confident that the tendency of increasing wages in CIS countries should continue. In this regard, one need to set a higher minimum wage standard.
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Confederation of Trade Unions of Azerbaijan supports amendments to the Labour Code
Deputies of the Milli Mejlis of Azerbaijan submitted to Parliament a bill on payment for work on weekends. At a meeting of the Committee on Labor and Social Policy, they received support from Sahib Mamedov, Chairman of the Confederation of Trade Unions of Azerbaijan.
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“No to Sanctions, Yes to Trade Union Consolidation and Social Partnership”. Statement of the Participants of the International Conference in Belarus
The participants of the conference “Modern Economic Challenges and their Impact on Labour Relations” (Minsk, December 11) called for consolidating trade union approaches, strengthening social partnership, and developing innovative ideas for ensuring labour rights and social guarantees.
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Labour Protection and Income Growth: General Collective Agreement Signed in Uzbekistan
The General Collective Agreement between the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Federation of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan and the Confederation of Employers of Uzbekistan has defined the main areas of cooperation between the parties on socio‑economic issues for the years 2026-2028. The document was signed on November 1, 2025 within the framework of the IX Kurultay of the Federation of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan.
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Kairat Toroev was appointed the Head of the Youth Council of the General Confederation of Trade Unions
Kairat Toroev became the Head of the Youth Council of the General Confederation of Trade Unions. The decision was unanimously adopted by the participants of the meeting of the GCTU Youth Council on December 7 in Moscow. The event was attended by 13 council members from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Russia and Kyrgyzstan.
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Viktor Pinsky: “Trade Unions of the CIS Countries Propose Setting a Higher Minimum Wage Standard”
The minimum wage in the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States should reach a level that ensures a fulfilling life for citizens, said Victor Pinsky, deputy of the State Duma of Russia, Secretary General of the General Confederation of Trade Unions. According to the deputy, the minimum wage should be brought to the level of the minimum consumer budget.
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Chairman of GCTU and President of Soyuzmetall Trade Union Center discussed the promotion of decent work principles in CIS
On December 2 in Moscow, Viktor Pinsky, Secretary General of the General Confederation of Trade Unions, Deputy of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, and Asylbek Nuralin, President of the International Association of Trade Unions – Soyuzmetall Trade Union Center, Deputy of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, discussed socio-economic development in the CIS countries and strengthening of trade union cooperation. The meeting was attended by Deputy of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, member of the Committee on Legislation and Judicial Reform Nikolay Arsyutin.
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Employers’ responsibility in investigating industrial accidents to be strengthened in Belarus
The procedure for investigating industrial accidents will change in Belarus from January 1, 2026. The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection has approved a new instruction. Supervision will be carried out by the Department of the State Labor Inspectorate of the Ministry of Labor of Belarus.
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Russia is abolishing the increased personal income tax rate for workers from EAEU countries
The Federation Council has approved a law on equal personal income tax rates for Russians and citizens of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). This is reported by RIA News.
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Decent wages, labour protection, digitalization: current tasks of trade unions discussed at the FNPR General Council
Current tasks of trade unions were discussed at a meeting of the General Council of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Russia (FNPR) on November 26 in Moscow.
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The Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus (FTUB) has updated its mentorship regulations
The Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus (FTUB) has updated its mentorship regulations. The document recommends including in the system those who have returned to work after a long break, are mastering a related profession, or are newly recruited. New forms of support for mentors have been introduced: adding an entry about their status to their job description, which, according to the collective agreement, will guarantee incentive payments.
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Uzbek Authorities Aim to Reduce Poverty Levels
According to UzDaily.uz, Uzbekistan plans to reduce its poverty rate to 4.5% by 2026. Since the beginning of 2025, the unemployment rate has fallen to 4.9% (compared to 5.5% last year), and 302,000 families have been lifted out of poverty. By the end of 2025, the overall poverty rate is expected to drop to 6% (down from 8.9% in 2024). In a number of districts, the number of low-income families has decreased by 4.5 times, and 1,435 mahallas have for the first time received the status of "poverty-free territories."
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Experts from the General Confederation of Trade Unions from CIS countries discussed trade union priorities in the field of occupational safety and health
A round table titled "Modern Methods of Occupational Safety and Health - Priority Tasks for Trade Unions" was held on November 18 by experts from the General Confederation of Trade Unions. This event was the third module of the GCTU's educational program "Promising Areas for the Activity and Development of Trade Union Technical Labor Inspectorates." Participants shared their experiences working in technical labor inspectorates and answered questions from GCTU experts.
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Vladimir Putin and Sergei Chernogaev discussed platform-based employment, mentorship, and digitalization.
Platform-based employment, mentorship, and the digitalization of trade unions were among the topics discussed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Sergei Chernogaev, Chairman of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Russia (FITUR), according to the FITUR website. The meeting between the head of state and the leader of the national trade union center took place on November 17 in the Kremlin.
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Viktor Pinsky: "Growth in Trade Union Membership in Uzbekistan is the Best Indicator of the National Trade Union Center's Effectiveness"
The best indicator of the effectiveness of the Federation of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan (FTUU) is the growth of trade union membership in the country. This was stated in an interview by Victor Pinsky, General Secretary of the General Confederation of Trade Unions and a Deputy of the Russian State Duma. The address took place in Tashkent at the Sputnik Uzbekistan press center on November 10 and was dedicated to the 120th anniversary of the trade union movement in the Republic.
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Development of a Common Labour Market in CIS Countries Called for by the General Confederation of Trade Unions
The formation of a common labor market in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) is a strategic task for social partners: governments, trade unions, and businesses, believes Viktor Pinsky, a Deputy of the State Duma and General Secretary of the General Confederation of Trade Unions. He stated this in an interview with the Sputnik Uzbekistan press center on November 10.
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The Path to Digital Sovereignty: Kazakhstan Plans to Train One Million IT Specialists
Kazakhstan plans to train one million people in IT and AI skills over five years. This was announced by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Currently, over 200,000 specialists work in the IT sector, of which approximately 20,000 are AI specialists.
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President of Uzbekistan Calls for Creation of a Global Social Justice Fund
At the second UN World Summit for Social Development held on November 4 in Doha, the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, proposed the establishment of a Global Social Justice Fund to support poverty reduction programs.
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Trade Unions of Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan Sign Cooperation Memorandum
A Memorandum of Cooperation between the Federation of Trade Unions of Kyrgyzstan (FTUK) and the Confederation of Trade Unions of Azerbaijan (CTUA) was signed on November 3 in Baku.The document was signed by the Chairman of the FTUK, Myktybek Muratali, and the Chairman of the CTUA, Sahib Mammadov, according to a statement from the Federation of Trade Unions of Kyrgyzstan.
GCTU News
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Role of Public Diplomacy in International Relations Discussed in Russia’s State Duma
Diplomacy takes many forms, but its core purpose is to maintain dialogue, identify common interests, and bring them to fruition, stated Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. He was responding to a question from the State Duma Deputy and General Secretary of the General Confederation of Trade Unions Viktor Pinsky regarding the role and significance of public diplomacy in strengthening peace, stability, and good-neighborly relations.
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Wages Come First: General Confederation of Trade Unions Pushes for Stronger Worker Protections in Cross-Border Bankruptcy
In case of a company’s bankruptcy within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), employees should be given priority in receiving earned wages, according to the General Confederation of Trade Unions (GCTU). This applies to both foreign workers and employees of transnational companies. The GCTU proposes clarifying the procedure for foreign workers to access wage recovery in the CIS model law On Cross-Border Insolvency (Bankruptcy), which is being drafted by a working group of the Interparliamentary Assembly of CIS Member States. The international trade union association aims to secure privileged rights for workers to receive payments, based on the civil codes of CIS countries and ILO Convention No. 95.
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The Confederation of Labour of Kazakhstan has proposed amending the Constitution of Kazakhstan to grant trade unions the right of legislative initiative
The Confederation of Labour of Kazakhstan (CLK) believes that the Constitution of Kazakhstan should be amended to include the right of legislative initiative for trade unions. This proposal for revising the country’s fundamental document was set out in a letter from CLK Secretary General Murat Mashkenov, sent on February 2nd to President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.