Published
09/05/2025, 15:48In a number of sectors—garment manufacturing, construction, road maintenance—there is a shortage of local workers, and even unskilled jobs are often filled by foreign migrants. This was stated on September 5, 2025, in Issyk-Kul by Deputy Prime Minister Edil Baysalov, speaking at the 27th Congress of the Federation of Trade Unions of Kyrgyzstan.
“This is nonsense that requires an urgent solution. The reasons lie not only in the level of professional training and labor discipline, but also in issues of wages, housing, and social guarantees. This is where trade unions must play a key role,” Baysalov said.
He stressed that the trade union movement is the most important pillar of social stability and an effective mechanism for protecting workers' rights. According to him, trade unions should become a link between the state, employers, and workers, as well as play a key role in ensuring decent wages, safe working conditions, and social protection.
Edil Baysalov also touched upon the issue of the use of trade union property. According to him, in recent decades, part of the assets created by generations of workers has been squandered and privatized. Today, thanks to the efforts of the state and the personal initiative of President Sadyr Zhaparov, this heritage is being returned to the people. For example, health resorts in Jergalan, Jalal-Abad, and other regions are resuming operations and beginning to serve the interests of workers.
In his speech, Baysalov paid special attention to the General Tripartite Agreement for 2025-2027, signed by the Cabinet of Ministers, the Employers' Association, and the Federation of Trade Unions. The document aims to harmonise the regulation of social and labour relations, strengthen the culture of negotiation and increase the competitiveness of the economy.
“We hope that trade unions will once again become a real force capable of uniting society, the state, and business. Only through joint efforts can we ensure a decent future for every citizen,” said Baysalov.
