King rejects union agreement for Candy Crush employees after a year of negotiations

When returning home from working abroad, women bring to Uzbekistan not only financial assistance but also new skills, unique perspectives, and untapped potential for the country's economy. However, there is a need to provide these women with the necessary tools and support for successful adaptation.

To address these issues, the OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan, together with the Committee on Family and Women and national partners involved in labor migration management, organized a seminar in Tashkent. The event aimed to discuss the experiences of female migrant workers, identify remaining difficulties, and seek practical measures to strengthen their economic reintegration.

Although migration opens up opportunities, the path for women is often associated with specific challenges, including navigating local labor markets and accessing financial resources upon return.

The discussions were based on data and lessons learned during the project implementation, as well as on the practical experience of state institutions and international organizations working to support female labor migrants and returnees.

Umida Abdullaeva, First Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Family and Women of the Republic of Uzbekistan, noted that comprehensive work is being carried out in Uzbekistan to support migrant families and provide them with multifaceted assistance. She added that, in cooperation with the OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan, a cascade training program is being implemented, aimed at the economic reintegration of returning women. This program plans to train instructors who will help master in-demand professions, IT skills, and financial literacy.

The seminar served as a joint platform for state structures and international organizations to exchange experiences, discuss current problems, and define practical, gender-sensitive approaches to improving labor migration management and supporting the economic reintegration of women.

Ambassador Anti Karttunen, OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan, emphasized the critical importance of cooperation between various stakeholders in forming safe, inclusive, and rights-enhancing migration systems. He stated that effective and gender-sensitive labor migration management lies in creating conditions that allow women to return home confidently, apply the skills and experience acquired abroad, and make a full contribution to the economic and social development of Uzbekistan.

The event also included a panel discussion with representatives of the OSCE POCUZ, the Committee on Family and Women, the Migration Service, the Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction, and IOM, focusing on strengthening institutional interaction and improving support services for female labor migrants throughout the migration cycle.

This seminar is part of a two-year project by the OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan titled 'Promoting Effective Management of Female Labor Migration and Economic Empowerment of Returnees.' The project supports national partners in strengthening gender-sensitive labor migration management, enhancing institutional interaction, and expanding opportunities for the sustainable economic reintegration of returning women. The project is financed by Germany, Norway, Turkey, and the Republic of Korea.

The Solidarity union has expressed concerns regarding the planned restructuring of Media24, believing it may affect more employees than was initially stated. The media corporation continues its efforts to increase resilience amid growing industry pressure, having begun consultations with staff about a new editorial operating model.

In a statement published on Thursday, Solidarity noted that contradictory notifications issued to employees under Section 189A this week have created uncertainty about the number of positions at risk. Initial notifications sent to affected personnel indicated a potential reduction of around 126 positions, particularly in sports and lifestyle editorial teams.

However, the union's labour relations organizer, Johan Russ, stated that the union now believes the impact of the restructuring process could be significantly broader. He emphasized that the notifications sent to different departments vary and cause confusion, and that, in their view, it is much wider than initially indicated.

The union demanded that Media24 disclose the full scope of the planned dismissals, including information on which specific departments and employees might be affected. Russ added that they want to see which employees in which departments are impacted—from sports and lifestyle editorial teams to business news editorial teams, as well as sales department staff and any other workers. He insists on receiving a complete and transparent picture of the planned cuts instead of vague indications.

Solidarity, which positions itself as the largest union at Media24, voiced concern that another round of layoffs is affecting employees while senior management decisions are not being properly scrutinized. The union also called on Media24 to disclose its strategic and financial plans, as well as information on the salaries of senior executives and editors. Previously, the union stated that it does not consider this latest round of layoffs to be a solution to current management problems.

The Section 189A procedure relates to large-scale dismissals under South Africa's Labour Relations Act, which requires employers to consult with affected employees and representatives before making final decisions. This latest restructuring occurred after Media24 previously confirmed cost-cutting plans amid ongoing difficulties facing the media industry.

Solidarity announced that it will continue to support members affected by the Media24 process, as well as employees affected by layoff plans at the eNCA news desk from Novus Media and eMedia, where, according to the union, up to 171 positions may be affected.