Recommendations for improving transparency in the field of labor relations

Problems arising in labor relations, and their solutions were discussed  on Thursday at a roundtable organized by the NGO "Transparency Azerbaijan" project funded by USAID.

The head of the NGO, Rena Safaralieva, noted that the draft provides for a series of similar events on transparency, which are held in conjunction with the government. Chief Consultant of the Labor Ministry  and Social Protection, Bakhtiyar Muradov, spoke about the work carried out in recent years for the protection of labor rights. Problems often arise because of the lack of employment contracts or  incorporate the interests of employees. In order to increase transparency  has been introduced electronic notifications system on labor contracts. Today in  the electronic form are more than 1 million 900 labor contracts. Muradov also said that according to the European Social Charter, the minimum wage must correspond to 60% of the national average wage. In Azerbaijan, the figure is now 28%.

Labor Ministry has submitted proposals for the phased increase in the minimum wage by 2020 up to 50% of the average wage. Muradov also said that citizens can ask questions about their labor rights in the Ministry of Labor on the phone 142.

Expert of the NGO "Transparency Azerbaijan" Ayten Alizamanly made recommendations to improve labor relations. Thus, it is proposed to bring the minimum wage to at least a living wage. Now the minimum wage is 105 manat, and the cost of living is 140 manat.

In addition, it is proposed to eliminate the rule of law, allowing people to engage in unpaid overtime works. It is also recommended to award  compensation upon termination of employment contracts for workers with length of service – 5;10; 15 or more years. There is  need for increased attention to employment of persons with disabilities.

During the meeting were also put forward recommendations for the improvement of electronic services in the field of labor rights  of citizens.—06C-