Uzbekistan Senate Approves Law Strengthening Labor Rights

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — During its latest plenary session, the Senate of the Oliy Majlis considered and approved the Law "On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Connection with the Strengthening of Guarantees for the Labor Rights of Citizens."

During the discussion, it was noted that labor relations in the country have been increasingly regulated based on principles of democracy, humanism, and social justice. Officials emphasized that Article 42 of the Constitution of Uzbekistan guarantees everyone the right to decent work, free choice of profession, safe and hygienic working conditions, and fair remuneration without discrimination, set no lower than the established minimum wage.

The document was developed to align national legislation with the conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO). It was introduced by the Senate to the Legislative Chamber as a legislative initiative in accordance with Article 98 of the Constitution.

The law introduces changes and additions to the Criminal, Administrative, Civil Procedural, and Labor Codes, as well as the laws "On Public Associations" and "On Trade Unions." Specifically, the Labor Code now includes a formal definition of a strike as a temporary, voluntary, and collective refusal to perform labor duties, in whole or in part, to protect the socio-economic and professional interests of employees during the resolution of a collective labor dispute.

Furthermore, the law establishes the legal right to strike, sets notification procedures for employers and authorized bodies, and regulates the respective rights and obligations of all parties involved.

Senators noted that the adoption of this law will bring the national legal system into compliance with international standards, ensure public safety and order through the legal regulation of strikes, and bolster Uzbekistan’s international image as a state that respects human rights, thereby creating additional conditions for attracting foreign investment. Following the deliberations, the document was approved.