"All this requires faster, coordinated political and practical responses."
14 May 2020
On May 14, the International Labor Organization's Bureau of Labor Activities (ILO-ACTRAV) organized the first video conference for trade unions in Eastern Europe.
The main purpose of the event, which was
attended by ILO-ACTRAV Sector Director for Europe and Central Asia Sergey
Glovaskas, Chief Specialist for Europe Magnus Berg, Chief Specialist for
Eastern Europe and Central Asia Kocha Alexandria, as well as Chief Employment
Specialist Mikhail Pushkin was to raise awareness of the consequences of the
COVID-19 pandemic on economic and
socio-labor relations, as well as to allow trade union representatives to
discuss proposals, perspectives and challenges that could help overcome the negative
consequences of the postpandemic period.
The ILO said in its speeches that
today's coronavirus pandemic is collapsing economies, seriously degrading
societies and leading to dramatic consequences. The COVID-19 pandemic has
affected many labor and industrial sectors, large numbers of workers and
large-scale economic activity, and unfavorable results are expected in the
coming months. All this requires faster and more coordinated political and
practical responses, and decisive action by trade unions has become a
necessity. The main task facing trade unions today is to better understand the
crisis and the needs that have arisen as a result of its effects, to define
obligations and responsibilities, and to take the necessary measures.
The business world is strongly affected
by the global viral pandemic. In addition to the health risks in societies,
economic and social shocks also threaten the livelihoods and well-being of
millions of people. In this difficult situation, the ILO and its founders -
governments, workers and employers - are playing a crucial role in combating
what is happening, ensuring people's safety and the sustainability of jobs and
workplaces.
Representatives of trade unions of the
ILO member states - Azerbaijan, Russia, Moldova, Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia and
Armenia - also spoke at the event. They spoke about the current situation in
their countries in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, the work done by
governments, the activities of trade unions.
The Azerbaijan Trade Union Confederation
was represented by ATUC First Deputy Chairman Ilyas Aliyev, Deputy Chairman
Agil Dadashov, Secretary-Chief of Staff Hasan Jafarov, Head of the Analytical
Research Department on Cultural and Social Problems of Workers Namig Huseynov
and International Relations Specialist Roya Garayeva.
Giving information about the situation
in Azerbaijan and the work done, ATUC First Deputy Chairman Ilyas Aliyev noted
that special necessary measures have been taken to combat the coronavirus in
the country since early March. The main task set by the head of state is to
protect the health and social security of the country's citizens. All
government agencies have been mobilized to fulfill this task. Ilham Aliyev gave
detailed information about the measures taken by the government. He noted that
the Confederation of Trade Unions of Azerbaijan, in turn, is closely involved
in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
Within the framework of social support
measures, Azerbaijani trade unions have spent more than 2 million manat in a
short period of time. So far, food aid has been provided to more than 23,000
low-income families, more than 900,000 manat has been spent for this purpose,
and protective equipment worth 148,000 manat has been purchased and
distributed. The trade unions transferred a total of 398,600 manat to the
Coronavirus Support Fund. The ATUC Executive Committee has adopted a new
decision to distribute food aid to low-income families and pensioners in need
of special assistance and care. For this purpose, on April 29, 2020, it was
decided to distribute food gifts to 3,900 low-income families living in 76
cities and regions of the country, food gifts with a total volume of 68 tons
were sent to all regions and cities of the country.
After the informative speeches of the
participants from other countries, the ILO representatives commented on the
current situation, reminded of the tasks facing the trade unions and noted that
such virtual meetings will continue. It was also noted that an online
"Global Labor Summit" is expected to be held in June at the
suggestion of the Director-General of the International Labor Organization Guy
Ryder.
