On December 16, the 8th Congress of the Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation (AHİK) was held.
At the outset, the congress participants visited the Alley of Honor, where they paid tribute to the memory of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev by laying a wreath and flowers at his grave.
The memory of the prominent ophthalmologist-scientist, academician Zarifa Aliyeva, was also honored with deep respect, and fresh flowers were laid at her grave.
The participants also visited the Alley of Martyrs, where they paid tribute to the heroic sons of the Motherland who sacrificed their lives for the independence of Azerbaijan, laying flowers at their graves and a wreath at the “Eternal Flame” memorial.
Following this, the 8th Congress of AHİK commenced its work. Along with congress delegates, representatives of state and non-governmental organizations, international institutions, and leaders of trade union organizations from a number of countries took part in the event.
The National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was played, and the cherished memory of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs was honored with a minute of silence.
Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Head of the Department of Economic Affairs and Innovative Development Policy of the Presidential Administration, Mr. Shahmar Movsumov, read out the greeting letter of President Ilham Aliyev addressed to the congress participants.
A video presentation reflecting the activities of AHİK for the period 2018–2025 was then screened.
In his speech, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Shahin Mustafayev spoke about the achievements attained through the development of social partnership based on the General Collective Agreement, emphasizing that the consistent socio-economic reforms implemented in the country create favorable conditions for the effective functioning of trade unions and the improvement of their members’ welfare.
First Deputy Speaker of the Milli Majlis Ali Ahmadov highlighted the work carried out to improve labor legislation and align it with international labor standards.
Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population Anar Aliyev, Chairman of the Milli Majlis Committee on Labor and Social Policy Musa Guliyev, and President of the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mammad Musayev emphasized the role of AHİK in protecting workers’ rights and in the activities of the Tripartite Commission on Social and Economic Issues, noting that the Confederation’s initiatives, the development of collective agreement mechanisms, and the strengthening of social partnership support the country’s social policy.
Video addresses by General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation Luc Triangle and Director of the International Labour Organization’s Bureau for Workers’ Activities Oliver Röpke were also presented at the event.
Speeches were delivered by Igor Zubcu, President of the Pan-European Regional Council; Ergun Atalay, President of the Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions; Kudratulla Rafikov, President of the Federation of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan; Satybaldy Dauletalin, President of the Federation of Trade Unions of Kazakhstan; Muradil Dzhumadilide uulu, President of the Federation of Trade Unions of Kyrgyzstan; Onder Kahveci, President of Türkiye Kamu-Sen; Gezim Kalaja, President of the Union of Independent Trade Unions of Albania; and Uysal Altundag, President of the Confederation of Turkish Metal Workers’ Trade Unions. They highly appreciated AHİK’s contribution to the development of international cooperation and Azerbaijan’s social dialogue model, and wished the congress success.
In accordance with the regulations, the Presidium of the Congress, the Mandate, Editorial and Counting Commissions, as well as the Secretariat, were elected, and the agenda was approved.
The agenda included the report on the Confederation’s activities for 2018–2025, the report of the Audit Commission, discussion of the draft new Charter, and the main directions of activity for the upcoming period.
AHİK Chairman Sahib Mammadov, presenting the report, emphasized the role of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev in the development of the trade union movement and the significance of the Law “On Trade Unions” adopted in 1994 on the initiative of the National Leader. He also highlighted the continuous support provided by President Ilham Aliyev to trade unions and the important contribution of humanitarian and social projects implemented at the initiative of First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva to the country’s socio-economic development.
The report provided comprehensive information on the Confederation’s activities in protecting labor rights, ensuring decent working conditions, occupational safety, implementation of the General Collective Agreement, as well as work in the fields of gender equality, youth, sports, and education. It was noted that improvement measures and structural reforms had been implemented, new institutions such as the “Kurort” Tourism Information Center, the Occupational Safety and Legal Assistance Center, the public association “For a Healthy Future of Trade Union Members,” and a Call Center had been established, and conditions at the “Buzovna,” “Bilgah,” “Absheron,” “Kurort Naftalan,” and “Gunashlili” health centers had been enhanced.
Information was also provided on the implementation of the AHİK Development Strategy for 2025–2027, the digitalization process, the introduction of electronic vouchers to ensure transparency, accessibility, and efficiency, as well as social projects such as “AHİK Volunteers,” “Decent Work Ambassadors,” “From Union to Union with Care,” “Run Towards Health,” the newly launched “AHIK Plus,” and other initiatives. It was emphasized that, alongside protecting labor rights, AHİK’s priorities include the transition to a green economy, safeguarding jobs in the era of artificial intelligence, ensuring decent employment, and strengthening social partnership.
Subsequently, the report of the Audit Commission was heard. During the discussions, speeches were delivered by Araz Pashayev, Chairman of the Republican Committee of the Trade Union of Science and Education Workers; Elnara Muradova, Chairwoman of the Republican Committee of the Trade Union of Healthcare Workers; and Mammad Hasanov, Chairman of the Republican Union of the Trade Union of Agricultural, Ecology, and Water Management Workers.
Following the discussions, the reports on AHİK’s activities during the inter-congress period, the Audit Commission’s report, and the new Charter of the Confederation were approved, and the main directions of future activities were determined.
Thus, the 8th Congress of the Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation concluded its work.
