INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE HELD

On 11–12 September of this year, an international conference entitled “Safe and Decent Work: The Role of Trade Unions in Protecting Workers’ Lives, Health and Labour Rights” was held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.

Mukhiddin Shavkat Yakubi, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Trade Unions of Sughd Region, participated in the conference and delivered a speech on trade union oversight of compliance with occupational safety requirements, cooperation with labour inspection authorities, and ways to prevent occupational hazards and workplace accidents.

In his speech, he presented information on the achievements of trade unions in occupational safety, ensuring safe and healthy working conditions, protecting workers’ labour rights, and strengthening social partnerships.

As part of the meetings and working discussions, participants also addressed a wide range of pressing labour-related issues and matters concerning trade union activities, including:

• The role of trade unions in shaping public policy, developing social dialogue and preventing occupational risks;
• The role of trade unions in shaping occupational safety policies and creating a safe working environment;
• Social dialogue and occupational risk management;
• The role of trade unions in the transition to a green economy;
• Digitalisation and automation of occupational safety and health processes in organisations and institutions;
• Strengthening the capacity of trade union organisations in occupational safety and health;
• New forms of employment, including platform work, and the protection of workers’ labour rights;
• The importance of ILO Convention No. 193 for the formalisation of employment and the role of the state, employers and trade unions in ensuring fair working conditions;
• Promotion and implementation of ILO Convention No. 190 on the prevention and elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work.

Participants also discussed the implementation of international labour conventions in legislation and practice, as well as their relationship to ensuring safe, healthy workplaces free from violence and harassment.

The conference contributed to strengthening international cooperation, exchanging best practices, and enhancing the capacity of trade union organisations in occupational safety and health. It also created favourable conditions for strengthening effective cooperation between trade unions, government authorities and employers.