Uzbekistan Parliament Approves Major Labor Relations Reform

The Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan approved the Law on Social Work during its seventeenth plenary session. This law lays the legal foundation for organizing the social work system, defines the powers of state bodies, and regulates the provision of social services and public assistance.

Reforms and System Structure

During the discussion, it was noted that current reforms in the country have strengthened the social protection system of the population, unified it into a single structure, expanded the range of social services, and improved the quality of their provision.

According to the new legislation, the social work system will function in the fields of healthcare, education, social protection, and employment, as well as in the judicial, law enforcement, and penitentiary systems.

Authorized Bodies and Participants

The National Agency for Social Protection has been designated as the specially authorized state body in the field of social work. The document also clearly outlines the powers of the Cabinet of Ministers, executive authorities, and local executive bodies in this sector.

Furthermore, the law provides for the participation of civil self-government organizations, non-governmental non-profit organizations, business entities, and private individuals in providing social support.

Procedure for Providing Assistance

The law regulates the types of social services and types of social assistance, the places where they are provided, the categories of subjects providing these services, as well as the procedure for recognizing citizens and families as needing social protection. It also establishes the grounds for granting and terminating social assistance, as well as the sources of financing these measures.

The document contains special provisions regarding the legal status of social workers, measures for their social protection, and restrictions related to their professional activities.

Goals of Adopting the Law

According to senators, the adoption of this law will allow for the formation of a comprehensive social work system, regulate relations in this sphere, and increase the effectiveness of social support for the most vulnerable segments of the population.

The legislative chamber of the Oliy Majlis reviewed and adopted in the second reading the draft law 'On introducing amendments and additions to the Labor Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan in connection with the implementation of international labor standards into national legislation.'

Purpose of the Bill

This bill, submitted by a group of deputies as a legislative initiative, aims at the consistent application of the provisions of ILO Convention No. 111, which the Republic of Uzbekistan previously ratified.

Expansion of Anti-Discrimination Measures

The document provides for an expansion of the list of grounds for discrimination in labor and employment established in the Labor Code. Specifically, it proposes adding grounds such as 'skin color' and 'political views.' The bill pays special attention to protecting the honor and dignity of employees, as well as creating effective legal mechanisms to prevent workplace harassment.

Next Steps

To achieve this goal, it is proposed to supplement the Labor Code with a new norm prohibiting harassment in the field of labor and employment. During the discussion, it was noted that the adoption of this law will strengthen guarantees of citizens' labor rights, confirm Uzbekistan's commitment to international labor standards, and enhance the country's prestige on the international stage. After review by the deputies, the draft law was adopted and sent to the Senate for further study.

The Legislative Chamber of Uzbekistan's Oliy Majlis reviewed and approved the draft law in its first reading. This law aims to introduce amendments and additions to the Labor Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan with the goal of implementing international labor standards.

State Policy Priorities

During the discussion, legislators emphasized that ensuring respect for human dignity, reliable protection of citizens' labor rights, and improving labor relations in accordance with international norms are priority areas of state policy. They also noted that the new version of the Constitution affirms the primacy of human rights and freedoms, equality before the law for all, and the impermissibility of any form of discrimination.

Implementation of International Norms

The draft law provides for the sequential application of the provisions of ILO Convention No. 111, which Uzbekistan has ratified. Specifically, the bill proposes to expand the list of grounds on which discrimination in employment and employment is prohibited, adding characteristics such as skin color and political beliefs.

Protection Against Harassment

The document also includes a new norm aimed at protecting human dignity in labor relations and preventing sexual harassment in the workplace. The proposal seeks to establish in the Labor Code the principle that sexual harassment during employment and labor activity is unacceptable.

Further Steps on the Law

This aspect was the subject of active discussion during the session. Deputies asked questions regarding the mechanisms for applying disciplinary or coercive measures in cases of sexual harassment at work. After the debates, the relevant committee was instructed to refine this provision, taking into account the proposals and recommendations made by the deputies. Following the review, the Legislative Chamber adopted the law in its first reading.