Union activists face new repression and attacks in Kazakhstan23 November, 2018Early in November, Dmitry Seniyavskiy, a trade union leader of the local branch of the Fuel and Energy Workers' Union (FEWU) in the Karaganda Region was attacked and brutally beaten by a band of unidentified goons. FEWU leader Erlan Baltabai is under arrest on trumped-up accusations.
Kazakhstan must respect democracy and fundamental rights11 January, 2022Nearly 8,000 people have been detained and more than 160 people have been killed following mass protests triggered by a doubling of gas prices in Kazakhstan. The violent response yet again stresses the need for democracy and recognition and respect for fundamental human and workers’ rights in the country.
Kazakhstan must respect union rights7 June, 2022For the fifth time in six years, the ongoing violations of union rights in Kazakhstan are brought before the ILO Committee on the Application of Standards during the International Labour Conference in Geneva.
EU should promote human rights in Kazakhstan13 September, 2012Human Rights Watch (HRW) accuses Kazakhstan’s government and some companies of systematic violations of oil workers’ rights and suggests EU should pressure Kazakh authorities to improve the situation.
International campaign helps to free two more Kazakh oil workers 10 April, 2014Under the pressure of the international community two out of seven imprisoned workers were released. Three, including the only woman, Roza Tuletaeva, were alleviated of their conditions of imprisonment. They were transferred to the colony-settlement. However two people, Shabdan Utkilov and Kanat Zhusipbaev so far remain in jail.
ArcelorMittal coal miners on strike in Kazakhstan13 December, 201714 December ***UPDATE*** the company ArcelorMittal Temirtau filed a law suit against the striking workers in the court Shakhtinsk, Qaraghandy region.
CIS unions demand improved health and safety in mines25 May, 2021When 60 participants from ten mining unions in seven CIS countries met on 20 May, the need for ratification and proper implementation of ILO Convention 176 on health and safety in mines was discussed.
Unions unite to defend rights across Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Caucasus17 December, 2025For two days, trade unions from Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Caucasus met at an IndustriALL sub-regional meeting to share experiences, assess the challenges facing workers and unions, and discuss joint actions to increase unity. Although many of the countries have formal rights to organize, bargain collectively and strike, in practice, unions often face procedural hurdles that make action hard. There are high thresholds for strike ballots, broad definitions of essential services, long mediation steps, or strict notice periods.
Kazakh union leader Erlan Baltabay imprisoned again1 November, 2019IndustriALL Global Union and the ITUC are calling for the release of Erlan Baltabay, a leader of the Independent Oil and Energy Workers’ Union in Kazakhstan, who has been returned to prison to serve a new 5-month term.
Ten years after Zhanaozen, Kazakh unions still under pressure 16 December, 202116 December marks the ten-year anniversary of the tragedy in Zhanaozen, Kazakhstan, where police opened fire on protestors, killing 17 and injuring more than 100 workers. The violence ended a seven-month long strike, involving more than 3,000 workers demanding a wage increase.
