CIS nations unite to protect aging workforce with new labor policies

A recent meeting of the Eurasian Economic Commission's (EEC) working group brought together over 40 participants in a hybrid format. Leaders from sectoral trade unions across CIS countries, along with international occupational safety experts, took part in the discussions. Key topics included the rights of older workers and workplace safety initiatives. The session focused on the challenges posed by an aging workforce in the CIS region. The General Confederation of Trade Unions (GCTU) stressed the need for targeted social policies to protect older employees, ensuring economic stability. A draft set of recommendations on social policy priorities for older workers was presented and later approved by the GCTU Commission on Occupational Safety, Ecology, Health, and Social Protection.

The meeting also covered the GCTU's statements on World Day for Safety and Health at Work. Additionally, discussions marked the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, highlighting ongoing concerns about workplace hazards. Collaboration with the Association of Developers, Manufacturers, and Suppliers of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was another point of focus. Evgenia Vladimirova, Secretary of the IPA CIS Commission on Social Policy and Human Rights, thanked the GCTU for developing the recommendations. The draft proposals will now be submitted to the Standing Commission of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly (IPA) on Social Policy and Human Rights for further review.

The approved recommendations aim to support older workers across CIS member states. If adopted, these policies could help preserve labour potential and improve workplace conditions. The next steps involve formal review by the IPA CIS Standing Commission.