Kazakhstan Boosts Dispute Resolution via Social Dialogue

On 29-30 January 2026, the International Labour Organization (ILO) organized a high-level tripartite round table in Astana to advance social dialogue, promote freedom of association and strengthen alternative mechanisms for resolving labour disputes in Kazakhstan. The round table was organized within the framework of the Roadmap for the Promotion of Decent Work in the Republic of Kazakhstan, which sets out commitments to strengthen labour relations, social dialogue and compliance with international labour standards in the country.

The two-day meeting brought together more than 50 participants, including representatives of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population, the National Confederation of Employers "PARYZ" and the Federation of Trade Unions of Kazakhstan, with the participation of ILO officials and the United Nations Resident Coordinator. Discussions focused on strengthening the institutional framework for social dialogue and promoting freedom of association and effective mechanisms for the prevention and resolution of collective labour disputes.

"Kazakhstan's system of labour relations is based on ensuring a balance of interests between workers and employers through social dialogue. Over the years, the institution of social partnership has proven to be an effective mechanism for negotiations and has significant potential for addressing issues in the social and labour sphere," said Meirambek Akhmetov, Chairman of the State Labour Inspection Committee of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Social dialogue

Participants discussed ways to strengthen social dialogue institutions and improve the functioning of tripartite mechanisms at national and local levels. The discussions addressed issues such as roles and responsibilities of the constituents, transparency of processes and criteria for the representativeness of employers' and workers' organizations, in line with international labour standards.

"Freedom of association and collective bargaining are not only fundamental rights at work, but practical tools that help prevent conflicts and build legitimate and sustainable labour relations," said Mikhail Pouchkin, Director of the ILO Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia. He added that the round table provided "a platform to assess the current structure of social dialogue and consider practical steps that can further strengthen it."

Peaceful labour dispute resolution

Participants also examined options for strengthening peaceful mechanisms for the prevention and resolution of collective labour disputes. ILO specialists presented international experience on conciliation, mediation and voluntary arbitration as effective tools for addressing disputes at an early stage and reducing the risk of escalation.

Satybaldy Dauletalin, Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan, underlined the importance of aligning national practices with international labour standards, including the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87), the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98) and the Collective Bargaining Convention, 1981 (No. 154) of the ILO. "Conciliation, mediation and voluntary arbitration should become normal practice, not a rare exception. This reduces tension, preserves jobs, conserves resources and helps prevent situations from reaching a breaking point," said Dauletalin.

"Social dialogue that creates value is dialogue that delivers solutions allowing the economy, the labour market and society to move forward," said Zhumabek Zhanykulov, Chairman of the Presidium of the National Confederation of Employers of the Republic of Kazakhstan "PARYZ", stressing the need to shift from principles to practical implementation with clear shared responsibility and a focus on results.

ILO specialists noted that current labour relations and labour law reforms should seek fuller alignment with international labour standards and the comments of the ILO supervisory bodies. They should further strengthen the representativeness and independence of trade unions and employers' organizations, which are essential for effective social dialogue at all levels and for improving the performance of the National Tripartite Commission as the primary forum for considering and deciding on labour market and socio-economic reforms.

The specialists also emphasized that conciliation, mediation and voluntary arbitration should complement, not replace, collective bargaining, and recommended that labour dispute resolution procedures be incorporated into collective agreements, with provisions binding on the social partners at enterprise level.

Next steps

The discussions reflected Kazakhstan's ongoing efforts to strengthen social dialogue and reinforce tripartite engagement on practical labour relations issues. The round table concluded with agreement to consolidate the discussions into a set of practical recommendations. With ILO support, these will inform the development of proposals for strengthening Kazakhstan's national system for social dialogue at all levels and collective labour dispute resolution.

Sarangoo Radnaaragchaa, UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan, emphasized that effective tripartite dialogue is closely linked to fundamental human rights, including freedom of association, and depends on strong and representative institutions. She noted that the recently signed UN Cooperation Framework Agreement for 2026-2030 places a strong emphasis on decent work, social cohesion and inclusive labour relations.

Participants agreed that social dialogue and dispute resolution are mutually reinforcing and essential for stable, predictable and fair labour relations, representing an investment in social cohesion, productivity and decent work.