Kyrgyz unions plan joint organizing work

When Kyrgyzstan became independent after the collapse of the Soviet Union, there were mass job losses. Unions lost influence and were forced to reinvent themselves. Fifteen years ago, they took a decision to move from the servicing model to the organizing model, and sought to organize new workplaces. They were met with repression from the government. However, tripartite work with the ILO has led to a better environment, which unions are keen to make the most of

As well as being gender-balanced with 28 representatives from all three of IndustriALL's affiliates in the central Asian republic: the mining and metalworkers' union MMTUK, the light industry and textile union RK, and the industry and public services union, PRPKBOP, the workshop included strong youth presence. The Kyrgyz unions plan to follow up with a workshop for young workers later in the year, and have a plan to produce media, including podcasts and social media stories, to reach young people.

Participants came from a wide range of industries, including gold mines, public sector technical staff, and small garment workshops.

The first day of training covered organizing strategy, starting with the need to do research on target companies. This was followed by discussions on holding one to one conversations with workers, recruiting organic leaders, and building an organizing committee in the workplace.

The second day focused on winning a mandate from the workforce to conduct collective bargaining, and culminated with a negotiation role play, with participants divided into company and union sides to carry out negotiations.

IndustriALL campaigns and organizing director Walton Pantland, who conducted the workshop, said:

"There is a real hunger for knowledge in Kyrgyzstan. I was impressed with the commitment and professionalism of the participants, who are determined to work hard to improve employment conditions in the country.

"The strategy of focusing on young workers is a good one, and seeing the negotiations role play come to life was like watching a play, with participants trying tactics like intimidation, misdirection and points of order to gain the upper hand. It was inspiring and great fun."

The president of the MMTUK, Zhakypov Almazbek Zhakypovich, said:

"Activists and young members are particpating and sharing experiences. There is fun and games, but there is also work."