INDEPENDENCE AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TRADE UNION MOVEMENT: ACHIEVEMENTS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND NEW HORIZONS

Yesterday, a Republican Scientific and Practical Conference entitled “Independence and the Development of the Trade Union Movement: Achievements, Social Responsibility and New Horizons” was held to mark the 35th anniversary of the State Independence of the Republic of Tajikistan.

Held under the slogan “Decent Work — The Foundation of a Worthy Life; Social Partnership — The Guarantee of Stable Labour Relations”, the event brought together leaders and activists of trade unions, representatives of government authorities, academics and experts, veterans, and members of the public.

Before the opening of the conference, participants visited an exhibition of works by the Founder of Peace and National Unity — Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, as well as books and scholarly works related to the history of national statehood, State Independence, social policy and the activities of the trade union movement.

The documentary film “From History to Independence: The Journey of the Trade Unions of Sughd Region” was then presented to the participants.

The conference was opened by Sharifullo Abdullozoda, Chairman of the Council of Trade Unions of Sughd Region, who spoke about the role of Independence in shaping a new stage in the activities of trade unions, the social mission of this institution, and the protection of the rights and interests of working people.

Ismoilzoda Zufar Murtazokhon, Deputy Chairman of Sughd Region, representing the Executive Body of State Power of Sughd Region, participated in the conference and delivered a speech.

In his address, he emphasised that State Independence has provided Tajikistan not only with political sovereignty, but also with the opportunity to develop an independent economic, social and legal system. In this context, the status and mission of trade unions have also acquired new meaning and substance. In modern society, trade unions are regarded as a bridge of trust between workers, employers and the state, as well as one of the important institutions for ensuring social justice.

Ismoilzoda Zufar Murtazokhon paid particular attention to social partnership, emphasising that cooperation between the state, employers and trade unions should produce practical results not only through documents and agreements, but also in resolving workers’ real problems, protecting labour rights, ensuring decent wages, providing safe workplaces and delivering social support.

Umarov Khudoydod, representing the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Tajikistan, then conveyed to the participants a congratulatory address from Qarakhon Chillazoda, Chairman of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Tajikistan, on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the State Independence of the Republic of Tajikistan.

He noted that the achievements of thirty-five years of independence are, above all, the result of the dedicated and constructive labour of the people of the country. Every new enterprise, road, tunnel, power plant, educational and healthcare institution, and social and cultural facility has been built through the efforts of working people. Therefore, respect for people and their labour is one of the key pillars of the social policy of independent Tajikistan.

In this process, trade unions, as one of the important institutions of civil society, play a significant role in protecting the social and economic rights and interests of workers, strengthening social justice, improving working conditions and developing social partnership.

Sharifullo Abdullozoda, Chairman of the Council of Trade Unions of Sughd Region, subsequently delivered a report entitled “Trade Unions of Sughd Region during the Years of Independence: Achievements, Initiatives and Prospects for Future Activities”.

The report emphasised that the period of Independence has become a stage of profound structural and substantive transformation for the trade union movement. The protection of labour rights, social partnership, strengthening of primary trade union organisations, professional development of personnel, expansion into the private sector, combating informal employment, and the use of digital opportunities were identified as important areas of modern trade union activity.

One of the keynote presentations at the conference was delivered by political scientist and editor-in-chief of the weekly newspaper “Adabiyot va San’at”, Abdulloi Rahnamo, on the topic “The Vital Role of Independence and National Statehood in the Historical Destiny of the Tajik People”.

This topic extended the scope of the conference beyond purely sectoral issues, linking the activities of social institutions with the destiny of the state and the nation. From an analytical perspective, the importance of such a discussion lies in the fact that effective civil society institutions, the protection of human rights and the development of sound labour relations can truly flourish in an environment of an independent state, peace, stability and the rule of law.

In this sense, Independence, statehood, society and the individual are not separate concepts, but links in a single chain. The stronger the foundations of statehood, the greater the opportunities for protecting citizens’ rights, developing civil society and ensuring the constructive activities of social institutions. This particular aspect gave the conference discussions a broader historical and political dimension.

Saidov Shukhrat, Doctor of Political Sciences and Professor at Tajikistan State University of Law, Business and Politics, also delivered a speech entitled “Women and Youth — A Constructive Force in the Development of the Modern Trade Union Movement”.

During the discussion session, participants exchanged views on the protection of workers’ rights and interests, the development of social partnership, raising legal awareness, personnel succession, the active participation of women and youth, and adapting trade union activities to the requirements of the modern era.

At the conclusion of the event, a Resolution of the Republican Scientific and Practical Conference “Independence and the Development of the Trade Union Movement: Achievements, Social Responsibility and New Horizons” was adopted.

Following the adoption of the Resolution, an Address from the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Tajikistan to the conference participants, dedicated to the Day of Trade Union Action for Peace — 1 September, was read out.

The reading of the Address at an event dedicated to Independence, labour and social responsibility was of symbolic significance. Peace and stability are not only great national values, but also essential conditions for peaceful labour, the sustainable operation of enterprises, the protection of workers’ rights and a dignified life for society.

Subsequently, in honour of the 35th anniversary of the State Independence of the Republic of Tajikistan, a group of trade union movement activists, labour veterans and leading workers were recognised for their contributions. Festive gifts from the Chairman of Sughd Region and the Chairman of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Tajikistan were presented to them.

The conference once again demonstrated that the protection of Independence and peace, respect for labour, the protection of human rights and the development of social partnership are important foundations of social stability and a dignified life.