On October 21-25, a working meeting of the regional committees and chairmen of the regional councils and heads of central bodies of Trade Unions of Electric Power, Electrical and Fuel Industry was held in Baku. 

The main topic of discussion at the event was "Social dialogue system (social partnership) and ways to improve it in the CIS countries in the electricity, electrical and fuel industries."

 Welcoming the guests, Chairman of the Republican Committee of Trade Union Electricity and Electrical Industry Workers Rafig Ildarov briefed the participants about our country and the trade union organization he represents. He said that after the independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan for the second time, the Karabakh conflict faced the occupation of some of our territories by the army of the neighboring state, numerous human casualties, the influx of one million refugees and IDPs, as well as other economic problems. Unfortunately, the Karabakh conflict is still unresolved and the conflict continues.

 In spite of all these difficulties, in the last 15-20 years there have been significant progress towards the development of the Azerbaijani economy. Azerbaijan has a successful strategy and successful work experience in the implementation of the UN Millennium Development Goals. Important state programs aimed at socio-economic development are being implemented to reduce poverty. Azerbaijan is an oil country. The oil and gas revenues are spent on the development of the non-oil industry, improving the country's infrastructure, and addressing social issues. The tourism sector is developing. A favorable economic environment has been created to attract investment in the industry. Successful reforms in the social sphere are one of the main directions of state policy. This year was a very serious and huge social package, with pensions, salaries and benefits being increased. Azerbaijan is the leader in the CIS in terms of purchasing power of the minimum pension. It is ranked third in terms of the average monthly pension.

 The history of trade union movement formation in Azerbaijan dates back to the 90s of the 19th century. Trade unions were established in the oil industry by a collective agreement signed in 1904 between Baku oil workers and employers. The Trade Union of Electric Power Workers has been operating for over 100 years. Our organization is a member of the Confederation of Trade Unions of Azerbaijan, a member of the International Union of Trade Union Electricity Workers and the ALL Global Union. Our ranks include employees of enterprises and organizations in the electrical and electrical industries. There is a good legal framework in the field of labor relations in our country. Progressive changes to the national legislation as well as the Labor Code allow trade unions to more effectively protect their employees' rights.

 There is a tripartite commission on economic and social issues in the country within the framework of social partnership. It is known that the chairman of the ATUC, Sattar Mohbaliyev, is also the Vice President of the Confederation of International Trade Unions and the Pan European Regional Council. He is also a member of the Azerbaijani Parliament.

 R. Ildarov said that the main document that protects the rights of workers is collective agreements and contracts. The collective agreement signed with Azerenergy also contains a number of social benefits for employees. He said the trade union leader and activist should have knowledge in economic, legal, psychological and political fields. Because they work with people, they try to solve their problems.

 Chairman of the International Union of Electric Power Industry Trade Union Vasily Bondarev and other representatives made a speech at the business meeting.