Early 20th Century: The Origins of the Trade Union Movement
The trade union movement in Kazakhstan traces its roots back to the beginning of the 20th century. Established on December 6, 1905, the Workers' Union of the Uspensky Copper Mine, located in what is now the Karaganda Region, is officially recognized as the country's first trade union organization. During the Soviet era, the activities of all trade unions were directed by a single centralized body—the Kazakh Council of Trade Unions (Kazsovprof), established in 1948.
The 1990s: Formation and Independence
The Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan was founded during the formative years of the sovereign state. On October 10, 1990, at the 14th Congress of Trade Unions of Kazakhstan, the Declaration on the Foundation of the Federation of Trade Unions of the Kazakh SSR was adopted. The organization became the legal successor to Kazsovprof and officially proclaimed its independence from government bodies, political parties, and employers. On March 3, 1992, the association was renamed the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan (FPRK).
During the challenging transition from a planned to a market economy, the Federation became a crucial institution for protecting workers against mass layoffs and wage arrears. In 1993, the first Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Trade Unions" was enacted, opening the path for the independent operation of these organizations. The foundations of social partnership were actively laid during these years: in 1996, the first General Collective Agreement was signed with the Government and employers.
Trade unions confidently entered the socio-political arena. In the 1995 elections, 6 candidates from the FPRK became deputies of the Mazhilis (accounting for 7% of the total seats), and 2 trade union leaders were elected to the Senate. In October 1999, the "Enbek" (Labor) deputy group was formed in the Mazhilis, comprising trade union representatives. In November 1998, the first Workers' Congress in the country's history was held at the initiative of the FPRK.
The 2000s: Strengthening Positions and Social Dialogue
The economic growth at the beginning of the millennium allowed the Federation to significantly expand its ranks, with trade union membership peaking at over 2.5 million people.
In May 2000, the 18th Congress of the FPRK took place, adopting the Poverty and Unemployment Reduction Program alongside the law "On Social Partnership." The trade unions also proposed that the Government develop a law "On Incomes and Wages of the Population."
In 2004, a new Labor Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan was adopted, with the FPRK taking a highly active role in its drafting.
In June 2005, the 20th Congress adopted the activity strategy for 2005–2010, which defined key priorities in remuneration, workplace safety, and the development of social partnership.
In November 2006, the first Congress of Working Women of Kazakhstan was held. It adopted a historic resolution recognizing social guarantees for women as the primary indicator of state welfare.
The 2010s: Modernization of Trade Unions
The Federation began actively adapting to the challenges of the digital economy and changing forms of employment by introducing new support programs for workers. In 2014, a new Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Trade Unions" was enacted. Its primary goal was to strengthen the role of trade unions in society, ensure social stability, and improve the quality of worker rights protection. During this period, the FPRK became a full participant in the global trade union movement.
The 2020s: Global Challenges and International Recognition
The contemporary stage of the Federation's history is characterized by an unprecedented strengthening of international ties and decisive actions during global crises.
2020: On September 2, the 26th Congress of the FPRK was held, where Satybaldy Dauletalin became the first leader in nearly three decades to emerge directly from the trade union environment. During the coronavirus pandemic, the Federation appealed to social partners to preserve jobs and stability. A large-scale relief campaign was conducted: several trade union hotels and health resorts were converted into quarantine facilities, where more than five thousand Kazakhstani citizens successfully received medical care.
2021: The Council of Trade Unions of Central Asian Countries (CTUCAC) was established, uniting the trade union centers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Its goal is to consolidate efforts to protect the legal rights of workers in the region. Furthermore, following years of initiatives by the FPRK, the minimum wage in Kazakhstan was increased from 42,500 to 60,000 tenge on September 1.
2022: On November 17, the General Council of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) made a significant decision to reinstate the full membership of the FPRK in this global organization.
2023: The Federation of Trade Unions of the RK took over the chairmanship of the Council of Trade Unions of Central Asian Countries. Under its auspices, the Youth Council of the CTUCAC was established, and agreements in the areas of tourism and labor migration were signed. In the same year, the Organization of Trade Unions of Turkic States was established, with Satybaldy Dauletalin elected as its General Secretary. On December 5, he also became the first representative from Kazakhstan to be elected Vice-President of the Pan-European Regional Council (PERC ITUC).
2024: On April 12, the Forum of Working Women of Kazakhstan was held in cooperation with the International Labour Organization (ILO). It served as a key platform for developing solutions to improve gender policy and ensure decent working conditions for women. On June 12, at a conference in Geneva, the social partners of Kazakhstan and the ILO adopted a historic Roadmap for the Promotion of Decent Work.
The Federation Today
Today, the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan is a leading force in civil society. It unites over 1.5 million members organized into 24 sector-level trade unions and more than 16,000 primary trade union organizations across the country. The FPRK continues its daily work to protect citizens' rights, develop social partnership, participate in lawmaking, and enhance the prestige of working people both within Kazakhstan and internationally.