On
July 30, 2025, the Secretariat of Kazakhstan’s National Contact
Point (NCP) and the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of
Kazakhstan (FTURK) held a meeting to define new horizons of
cooperation. Their shared goal is to strengthen the protection of
workers’ social and labor rights based on international standards
set out in the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.
Background:
Kazakhstan joined the OECD Declaration on International Investment in 2017, becoming the 48th adhering country. The establishment of the NCP was an important step in implementing these international commitments. The NCP serves as a platform for dialogue between civil society and business, facilitates dispute resolution, and promotes the standards of responsible business conduct.
During the meeting, Head of the NCP Secretariat Zh. Tulegenova delivered a presentation titled “OECD Guidelines: A Tool for Trade Unions”, which covered international standards in the field of labor rights, including freedom of association, collective bargaining, and safe working conditions. In the course of discussions, FTURK Chairperson Satybaldy Dauletalin emphasized that protecting workers’ rights is the core priority for trade unions. The parties concluded that the OECD Guidelines represent a powerful additional tool for trade unions in advancing social dialogue.
The discussion also addressed specific mechanisms of cooperation, particularly the use of mediation to resolve disputes involving FTURK representatives. Following the meeting, both parties agreed to work jointly o.organizing events and consultations to raise workers’ awareness and strengthen the national system for protecting their rights.
