The 5th Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation (ATUC) Congress was held
05 Feb 2018
The 5th Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation (ATUC) Congress was held in Baku Congress Center on February 5. The event was attended by the assistant of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan for Public and Political Issues, Ali Hasanov, Chairman of the State Social Protection Fund of Azerbaijan Republic, Salim Muslumov, 1300 representatives from the international trade union, state and government officials, as well as about 85 foreign activists and leaders of the trade union field from 30 different countries.
The
event was opened by the chairman of ATUC, vice president of the International
Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and the Pan-European Regional Council (PERC),
and National Assembly of the Repulic of Azerbaijan deputy, SattarMehbaliyev.
Then the
national anthem of Azerbaijan Republic was played.
In
accordance with regulations, having approved the agenda of the event, the
governing bodies were formed: the presidium of the court, the audit committee
and secretariat members were elected for mandatory and editorial commissions.
The
assistant of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan for Public and
Political Issues, Ali Hasanov, read the congratulatory letter of President
IlhamAliyev to the participants of the congress.
SattarMehbaliyev
expressed his gratitute on behalf of its members to the head of the state for
the congratulatory letter to the participants of the congress and for the order
to award 114 members of ATUC.
Congratulatory
speeches to the participants were performed by the president of the
international Confederation of Trade Unions, Joao Felisio, the president of the
Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Russia, Mikhail Shmakov, Chairman of
the State Social Protection Fund of Azerbaijan Republic, Salim Muslumov, the president
of National Confederation of Entrepreneurs of the Azerbaijan Republic,
MammadMusayev, president of the Pan-European Regional Council,
IrakliPetarashvili, the chairman of the Trade Unions Confederation
“Turkic-Work” of Turkey, Ergun Atalay,
the chairman of the Trade Unions Confederation “Hak-İş” of Turkey, Mahmoud Aslan, the chairman of the
Trade Unions Confederation "Kamu-Sen", Ismail Koncuk, the chairman of
the Trade Unions Confederation "Official-You", Ali Yalchin, and the chairman of the Trade Unions
Confederation of Workers of Agriculture and Food Industry of Eurasia,
CemailBakindi.
The next
performance was delivered by the assistant of the President of the Republic of
Azerbaijan for Public and Political Issues, Ali Hasanov. He highlighted that on
April 11th of this year there will be early presidential elections
held in Azerbaijan. These elections create new duties for the trade unions. As
we know, the Trade Unions Confederation of Azerbaijan Republic always puts
forward IlhamAliyev’s candidacy for presidency. And at this time all the union
workers are encouraged to support the candidacy of IlhamAliyev as president.
Presidential
assistant also mentioned that the next congress of the Trade Unions
Confederation of Azerbaijan will take a step into new stage of deep reforms –
the socio-economic development of our country, dynamic processes in the
socio-political and cultural life of the people, as well as preparing to mark
historical milestones of our country that are both bitter and important. This
year marks 100 years of the
establishment of The Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan and the 95th anniversary
of the birth of national leader of HeydarAliyev. Next month marks the 100th
anniversary of the genocide committed by armenian nationalists in 1918-1920 –
one of the most terrible tragedies suffered by the people of Azerbaijan. It is
also important to mention that Presidential elections will be held this year,
making it another significant milestone. Obviously, the trade unions will not
be left out of the life of our country and will build its activities based on
these affairs.
The
Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation has been operating for more than a
century, which also happens to be the largest social organization in
Azerbaijan, said Ali Hasanov, and while speaking about the historical path, he
mentioned that after the return to the higher political power of our national
leader HeydarAliyev, the Azerbaijan
Trade Unions Confederation has entered a new stage of its development.
The activities of this organization now begin to attain a different content.
First and foremost, HeydaAliyev defended trade union confederation from the
influence of various political forces, prevented the destruction of their
material and technical base that had been created over the years.
The Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation is operating for
more that a century , that happens to be the largest mass social organization
said Ali Hasanov, and talking about the historical path, he mentionedthat after
the return to the supreme political power of our national leader Heydar Aliyev
The Azerbaijan Trade Unions
Confederation has entered a new stage of its development, the activities of this organization now began
to attain different content. Heydar
Aliyev, first of all,defended the trade union organizations from the influence
of various political forces, prevented the destruction of their material and
technical base that was created over the years.
Organization of trade
unions, management and influence on ideological factors in activity were
removed, administrative practices were abandoned, all support was provided to
the establishment of the Confederation of Trade Unions of Azerbaijan which is
based on democratic governance mechanisms. The Law of the Republic of
Azerbaijan which adopted in 1994 about
"On Trade Unions" has created a legal basis for the regulation
of this organization's activity in our society on the basis of modern
principles.
Great Leader who keeps
the activities of the Confederation of Trade Unions of Azerbaijan it has put
the organization in front of the government to take advantage of its
capabilities in the field of social assistance, labor protection and protection
of labor rights, to help them fulfill their mission. It is not accidental that,
starting from 1997, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the
Confederation of Trade Unions of Azerbaijan and the National Confederation of
Entrepreneurs (Employers') Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan annually
sign the General Collective Agreement setting out their agreed positions and
joint activities in implementing the country's socio-economic policy. Formation
of a strategy to reduce the poverty level in the country and improve the
welfare of the poor and it was envisaged to establish a commission for the
preparation of the State Program on Poverty Reduction by the Decree of the
National Leader Heydar Aliyev dated March 2, 2001 to ensure implementation of
measures. Later, by the Presidential Decrees, the State Programs on Poverty
Reduction and Sustainable Development were adopted and successfully implemented
in Azerbaijan in 2003-2005 and 2008-2015.
Assistant to the
President said that since the 2004 development of the trade unions of
Azerbaijan was particularly different from the quality change and then he
inform that, these years, without exaggeration, can be characterized as a new
era of activity in the activities of trade unions in the country. The
first of the main reasons of this is
that, continued continuation of the national leader Heydar Aliyev's strategy of
development as well as the trade union policy by President Ilham Aliyev, the
second is the implementation of a rapid socio-economic development and
modernization course in Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijani citizen and
his interests stand in the center of the political line of Azerbaijani
President Ilham Aliyev. As a result of purposeful policy led by the head of
state, socio-political and macroeconomic stability in our country has always
been characteristic and the period of dynamic socio-economic development and
modernization has begun. Since 2004, the state programs on socio-economic
development of the regions of the Republic of Azerbaijan have been successfully
implemented. The implementation of the fourth program will be completed this
year. Implementation of these programs and giant infrastructure projects is
crucial for the development of the country's economy, and it had a significant
impact.creation of new enterprises and jobs in the regions, improvement of
utility services and improvement of well-being of the population, sharp decline
in poverty.
The assistant to the
president said, over the past 14 years, the country's economy grew by 3.2 times
and non-oil sector - by 2.8 times. At present, unemployment in Azerbaijan is 5%
and poverty is 5.4%. Over the past 14 years salaries have increased five times,
and pensions have increased eight times. The allocations from the state budget
for social protection and social security of the population have increased
every year and finally it was more than
30 percent. Protection of labor rights of the citizens of the Republic of
Azerbaijan, reimbursement of material, social needs of employees and ensuring
decent living standards are one of the priorities of the country's
socio-economic policy.
Ali Hasanov underlined
that the development of the social sphere in the country also played an
important role in the activity of the First Vice President of the Republic of
Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva and Ali Hasanov said that, Mehriban Aliyeva has
always been particularly sensitive to issues related to education, health and
culture, people with disabilities and low income people and Mehriban Aliyeva
has achieved numerous programs in these areas. Specially it should be
emphasized that, the solution of the difficult problems facing our compatriots
who have been expelled from their native lands, is the focus of Mrs. Mehriban
Aliyeva who is the First Vice President of Republic of Azerbaijan.
In modern times, when the
new socio-political and liberal economic system was created by Azerbaijani
President Ilham Aliyev, the people's economic and social interests, Ali Hasanov
said that he always attached great importance to the role of trade unions in
the field of protection of labor rights and he inform that, “"Mr. President
is regularly interested in ATUC's activity, sends congratulatory messages to
his congresses, gives valuable recommendations, and rewards his trade union
figures and activists with state awards. In the current period, trade unions
should provide adequate support to the social-political policy of President
Ilham Aliyev adequately to the conditions created by our state, should increase
the focus on strengthening the workforce in labor collectives and deepening the
effective cooperation with partners. The ATUC should further expand its
international relations. At present, ATUC, a member of influential
international organizations such as the International Labor Organization and
the International Trade Union Confederation, contributes to the development of international
relations of our country. I think that the Confederation should continue its
activities in this direction, as well as with international platforms, to
establish close contacts with similar organizations in different countries.
This would allow the application of advanced world experience in our country,
as well as the recognition and use of Azerbaijan's achievements abroad. In one
word, I am convinced that the Confederation of Trade Unions will not be
satisfied with the achievements and will improve their activities by taking
urgent steps in line with the challenges of time, will further strengthen its
prestige in the society."
ATUC Chairman, MP Sattar
Mohbaliyev expressed gratitude for speeches and sincere congratulations.
Then the report of the
mandate commission was heard.
ATUC's V Congress
continued its work after a short break.
The chairman of the
Confederation, S.Makhbalyev said that hundreds of thousands of active members
of the 17-member Union of Trade Unions in the pre-congressional meetings of the
AHIK announced that they will support Ilham Aliyev's candidacy during the
presidential elections this year. They have given their mandate to reflect
these wishes in the official documents of the congress. Like in the 2008 and
2013 presidential elections, this time we remain committed to our tradition and
will support Ilham Aliyev's candidacy and become his volunteer lawyers.
The draft resolution on
the nomination of Ilham Aliyev in the extraordinary presidential elections in
Azerbaijan in 2018 has been adopted.
Representatives of the
Congress appealed to President Ilham Aliyev to approve his candidacy for the
upcoming elections.
Speaking at the report,
Chairman of the ATUC, MP Mohammad S. Makhalbaliev expressed his satisfaction
with the coincidence of the 5th convocation's congress on the eve of the 25th
anniversary of its establishment.
The chairman of the
Confederation has expressed his gratitude to the persons who have been working
or wished mercy to those who worked there and died for the development of the
organization for 25 years, which unites more than 1.5 million members and is
the largest public organization in Azerbaijan. He noted that Heydar Aliyev is
the first leader among such people. The great leader Heydar Aliyev has always
appreciated the activities of trade unions, which play an important role in
solving the legal interests, labor rights and social problems of citizens. In
particular, the Law "On trade unions", approved by Heydar Aliyev in
1994, contributed to the modern development of trade unions in Azerbaijan and
strengthened the role of the organization in society.
S.Makhbaliyev said
that, Noting that thanks to President
Ilham Aliyev's policy pursued by the wise policy of the great leader Heydar
Aliyev, Azerbaijan has rapidly developed and became a leader in the region,
then he noticed that, socioeconomic development of the provinces approved by
the orders of the head of state Thanks to the successful implementation of
state programs, our country has been rapidly progressing, the economy has grown
more than three times, and the level of poverty and unemployment has fallen to
a minimum.
It was noted that the
adoption of the Strategic Roadmap, the successful construction of the Southern
Gas Corridor, the opening of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, the extension of
the Contract of the Century until 2050, the transport corridors by which
Azerbaijan is the author will ensure the successful development of our country.
Noting the importance of
the referendum on September 26, 2016 with regard to amendments and changes to
the Constitution, the Chairman of the ATUC stressed the importance of adding 16
more amendments to human rights and freedoms. He stated that the amendment to
article 36 entitled "The right of strike", which is directly related
to the activities of trade unions, also complements the essence and prevents
employers from using an undue lockout.
It was stressed that as a
result of the referendum, the establishment of the vice-president's institution
in our country was an important step towards further democratization of
governance. By the decree of President Ilham Aliyev on February 21 2017, the
President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO and
ISESCO, Mehriban Aliyeva was elected to be the first Vice-President.
The speaker noted that
the ATUC is actively involved in the process of strengthening
military-patriotic education, training of our youth for military service. The
Confederation took the military secondary school named after Nakhchivan in its
charge in 2000. To date, more than 250 cadets have been rewarded by the lyceum.
During the reporting period, 12,500 pupils were issued and 50,000 AZN were paid
to the Armed Forces Assistance Fund.
It was noted that ATUC
actively cooperates with many leading trade union centers in the world,
including trade unions in Turkey, France, Poland, Belgium, Japan, Italy,
Hungary, Greece, Norway, Israel, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Latvia, China and the
CIS. The chairman of ATUC, that is a member of Commonwealth Union Confederation
(CUC) which consists of various trade unions of CIS countries, is also the
vice-president of the Pan European Regional Council of the International Trade
Union Confederation (ITUC).
Sattar Mohbaliyev has
noted that there are 16,901 trade unions in the Confederation, in which
currently there are about 1.5 million members. Over the past five years, 507
new professional trade unions have been created, and 56,497 people have joined
the trade union.
It was noted that the
work done in the field of social partnership development in our country gives a
positive result. Azerbaijan trade unions support tripartism, social dialogue
and social justice. A joint resolution was signed between the Cabinet of
Ministers, ATUC and the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) of
the Republic of Azerbaijan on the establishment of the Tripartite Commission on
Social and Economic Issues. Thus, the trade unions of Azerbaijan entered a new
stage of development.
It was stressed that the
establishment of the Commission for the Regulation of Labor Relations and
Coordination in accordance with the presidential decree of 17 March 2017
"On additional measures to improve the regulation of labor relations in
the Republic of Azerbaijan" is of particular importance. The Action Plan
on improving the regulation of labor relations was approved, the Working Group
and the Center for Informal Employment of the Commission were established. It
is expected that a million people currently involved in informal activities
will be gradually enrolled in the real sector as a result of the implementation
of the Action Plan. During the reporting period, there have been 3 general
collective agreements, an average of 110 territorial agreements and 12,000
collective agreements per year. These documents contain the requirements of
trade unions. Work in this area will be carried out within the framework of the
"Fair Country Work Program for 2016-2020" of the Republic of
Azerbaijan. ATUC took an active part in the preparation of this program.
It was noted that when
preparing the Country Program for Fair Labor, special attention was paid to the
problem of legalization of the informal economy, ensuring gender equality and
preventing discrimination. On the other hand, one of the most important issues are
the elimination of unemployment, the provision of youth employment and the
creation of decent jobs. The National Tripartite Commission will play a key
role in the implementation of the Program for 2016-2020. ATUC's constructive
cooperation with social partners allowed the Program to succeed.
The ATUC has also performed with the suggestion of an
amendment of existing laws in terms of meeting the requirements of the Amended
European Social Charter and ILO Conventions, along with participation in the
examination of the draft normative legal acts submitted by the relevant state
authorities. Following of the main
principles and rights in the ILO Conventions ratified by the Milli Majlis is
one of the issues that the ATUC is constantly in focus. The ATUC has made a
proposal to join Azerbaijan's ILO Conventions 168, 155, 184, 97 and is working
purposefully in this area.
It was noted that a lot
of work has been done about the laws related to labor protection and other
normative acts in line with international standards in our country.
It was noted in the
report that 875 thematic seminars on zones were held during the reporting
period. About 23,000 active members of trade unions participated in these
events and 4598 persons responded to questionnaires. Nearly a decade, the
ATUC holds competitions for the title of
"The best institution (organization) of the Year according to creation of
healthy and safe working conditions". 9328 enterprises participated in the
competitions in the past period. 297 out of them were awarded the title of winner.
The reporter noted that
the ATUC implements important measures to reduce the level of informal economy
and its impact on its employees. Under the instruction of the President of
Azerbaijan, the Working Group on the Employment Concept of the Republic of
Azerbaijan for the formation of the long-term employment policy on the basis of
existing demographic trends and development priorities, economic priorities has
been included in the Working Group with the AHIK social partners and successfully
fulfilled the task.
Speaking about the work
done by ATUC in the framework of the youth policy implemented in our country,
S.Mehbaliyev said that the Executive Committee's "Young Trade Union
Leadership School – about comprehensive program
for young employees" is a obvious example. The Confederation has set up an
honorary title for "Professional Young Man of the Year" to contribute
to the training of young people as a skilled cadre. Up to now, 107 young people
have been awarded this title. Also students who are distinguished in addition
and public works are granted scholarships at the expense of trade union
scholarships and partly from secondary school pupils. Nearly four thousand
students from poor families have a free meal at universities at the expense of
their trade union. Scholarships were defined for 156 students by Trade Union.
It was spent 341 thousand AZN for
students’ meal expenses, 201 thousand AZN scholarships of Republican Committee
of Free Trade Unions of Education Workers of Azerbaijan for excellent students who are active in
Trade Union, 194 thousand AZNfor the winners of the competition, 100 thousand
AZN for financing of "Educator" Student Loan Fund and, tuition fees
of 66 low-income families’ children have been paid by trade unions.
It was noted that during
the reporting period, 135,2 thousand AZN for 1580 applicants who include to
ATUC, 57,9 thousand AZN for family members of Black January martyrs, 49,5
thousand AZN to families of oil workers left and injured in "Gunashli"
field, 43 thousand AZN to finance for "Recognize our country"
tour-actions, 36,3 thousand AZN for Karabakh war veterans, 169,1 thousand AZN
for families under protection, 17,2 thousand AZN for press workers, 44,5
thousand AZN for the winners of the competition which held in ANAS, 49 thousand
606 refugees and internally displaced persons by field trade unions have been
provided money and food aid. In general, during the reporting period, trade
unions provided 31.2 million manat, including 1 million manat on ATUC.
It was reported that
ATUC paid special attention to the
active participation of women in socio-economic life, their more representation
in the structures of trade unions, and the strengthening of their role. Over the
past five years 11 thousand 27 conferences, seminars, roundtables and other
events were held for gender issues by international organizations, government
agencies and non-governmental organizations. Currently, 52.3 percent of trade
union members and 48 percent of ATUC staff are women.
It was noted that, over the past five years ATUC and members of
union received 768 thousands 484 applications and complaints from members of
trade unions. 6.4% of these were related to the violation of labor rights of
employees.95.2 percent of applications and complaints were resolved
positively.The majority of petitions accepted by ATUC and member organizations
were related to financial assistance.All of them were solved positively by
trade unions. It was noted that, restoration of members' health and recreation
was also in the focus of attention during the reporting period. The
Confederation carried out capital repair, reconstruction and renovation works
in the sanatoriums, resorts and provided them with new equipment to ensure the
implementation of the "State Program for the Development of Resorts in the
Republic of Azerbaijan in 2009-2018". Thanks to this, Bilga, Absheron,
Garangush, Gunashli and Shikh became the most modern resorts and recreational
facilities.
Over the past five years,
Trade Unions have provided treatment and recreation for 308,223 people.
Recreation of 291,973 persons, including 35,000 children and teenagers, has
been organized in sanatorium and spa facilities. The Republican Committees of
Education, Public Administration, Railway, Communications, Health Care Workers and
Trade Union have built modern recreation centers at their own expense. The
Republican Committee of Trade Union of Cultural Workers continues the
construction of recreation center.ATUC’s chairman stressed that the 110th
anniversary of the establishment of trade unions of Azerbaijan was widely
celebrated and 109 people were awarded orders, medals and honorary titles by
the decree of the Head of State.He said that, the total number of people awarded
by the President reached 344 and 213 of them were related to the previous
reporting period. Expressing his profound gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev
for this high opinion, S.Makhbaliyev recalled that the Confederacy was worthy
of this trust and achieved significant successes.
He noted that at the 106
th session of the ILO, the Republic of Azerbaijan was first elected to the
governing body of the organization.
Then a report of the
Audit Commission was heard by ATUC.
The work of the
organization was considered satisfactory in the speeches on the report of the
ATUC for 2013-2018.In the speeches, Sattar Suliddin’sson Mohbaliev was
nominated as chairman of the ATUC.
Later, the reports of the
Audit Commission of ATUC were voted out and approved.
Later organizational
issues were considered and the elections were held for the position of ATUC’s
chairman.
Member of the Azerbaijani
Parliament Sattar Suliddin’s son Mohbaliev was again elected by the open voting
as chairman of the Azerbaijani Trade Unions Confederation.
The question of raising
the term of office of the chairman of the ATUC from 5 to 7 years has been
approved.
At the congress, the
composition of the ATUC’s council, the revision commission has been selected,
and so on. organizational work was discussed and relevant decisions were accepted.
Then, the representatives
of the V session of the ATUC addressed all the World Trade Unions for the
Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
The appeal was approved
and accepted.
Thus,
the congress of Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation completed its V session’s
work.
