On 2 December, a ceremonial event titled “120 Years with the Trade Unions” was held to mark the 120th anniversary of the Azerbaijan Cultural Workers Trade Union Republican Committee, a constituent organisation of the Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation (AHIK). The ceremony opened with the performance of the State Anthem and a minute of silence in honor of the martyrs.
In his address, the Chairman of AHIK, Sahib Mammadov, provided an overview of the history of the trade union movement, its stages of development, and the substantial role of trade unions in the public life of the country. He underscored the attention and support given by the state to culture, science, education, and sport, noting that the foundations of this policy were laid by the National Leader Heydar Aliyev and are being successfully continued under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev.
The event underscored the significance of cultural initiatives implemented under the patronage of First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, who has played a pivotal role in advancing humanitarian, social, and cultural spheres. The event also highlighted AHIK-led projects aimed at protecting labor rights, ensuring decent working conditions, safeguarding members’ health, organizing recreational activities, and enhancing overall well-being.
Deputy Minister of Culture Farid Jafarov highly appreciated the activities of trade unions, emphasizing their contribution to the protection of labour rights of employees working in culture, sport, and media. Deputy Speaker of the Milli Majlis Rafael Huseynov, Chairman of the Labour and Social Policy Committee Musa Quliyev, Chairman of the Human Rights Committee Zahid Oruj, and People’s Writer Chingiz Abdullayev spoke about the contribution of cultural workers to the country’s development and stressed the important role of trade unions in defending their rights and legitimate interests.
Representatives of trade unions from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan also delivered speeches, highlighting the cultural ties between the countries and the significant role of trade unions in regulating labour relations.
As part of the anniversary programme, video presentations showcasing projects and innovations implemented by AHIK and the Trade Union of Cultural Workers were demonstrated, followed by performances by cultural and artistic figures. The event continued with two panel discussions dedicated to strengthening social dialogue in labour relations. During the panels titled “Cooperation with Workers” and “Cooperation with Employers”, representatives of state institutions, trade union organisations, and private-sector entities discussed current labour market challenges, opportunities for social partnership, and ways to enhance workers’ well-being.
The anniversary event “120 Years with the Trade Unions” was recognised as confirmation of the essential role of the Trade Union of Cultural Workers in the development of the cultural sector, the protection of labour rights, and the strengthening of trade-union solidarity. It should be noted that the Trade Union of Cultural Workers has a 120-year history of protecting the socio-economic rights of employees in the sphere of culture, arts, media, and sports. Established in 1905 under the name “Printers’ Union”, the organisation has played a significant role in safeguarding the labour rights of creative individuals and contributing to the cultural life of the country.
