28 August, 2024At the end of a joint meeting on 21 August, of IndustriALL Mongolia affiliates, and an occupational safety and health (OSH) seminar-workshop in light and heavy industries in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, participants developed an action plan to address workplace safety and health and strengthening unions.
Following the revision of Mongolia’s labour law two years ago unions are assessing its impact on labour conditions, especially OSH. Despite developing standards, workplace safety issues persist, with underreported incidents of worker exhaustion and industrial accidents. It is widely believed that these are only an understatement of the real problem due to under-reporting of the management.
The Federation of Energy, Geology, and Mining Workers Trade Unions (MEGM) successfully advocated for standardized rest time, inspiring the light industry union (MITUF) to push for sector-specific OSH standards. Both unions are committed to promoting OSH at national and industry levels.
Unions also discussed wage improvements and membership expansion. While a petition for wage increases in heavy industry is ongoing, a government survey on light industry wages, particularly for the 50,000 cashmere and textile workers, fell short of worker expectations.
Tamir Enkhbaatar, president of Mongolian Industrial Workers Trade Union Federation (MITUF) said:
“The participation of women and young workers are critical to strengthening unions in Mongolia, that is why we need to strategize on how to attract young people into unions, utilizing social media and digital technology will give voice for the young workers to be heard. Furthermore, during the industrial revolution, flexible forms of employment are increasing and the informal economy is expanding. In order to develop the future strategic planning of the Mongolian Industry Trade union in accordance with this change, it is essential to study the experience of the movement of international unions.”
Dolgor Duinaakhuu, president of MEGM said:
“MEGM has prioritized the incorporation of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) provisions in energy and mining agreements to ensure that its members can work in a healthy and safe environment, minimizing the risk of industrial accidents and occupational diseases. Additionally, we are collaborating with all social partners to promote accident-free working practices through comprehensive OSH training. IndustriALL’s visit in Mongolia was instrumental in clarifying the union’s stance on OSH-related issues at the regional level.”
Ramon Certeza, IndustriALL South East Asia regional secretary said:
“I believe that having strong union cultures and traditions is the backbone of a fair and just society in Mongolia. It empowers workers to stand together, collectively protect their rights, and build a future where everyone shares in the nation's progress. The critical role of women and young workers are essential leading towards that path.”
IndustriALL and unions from MEGM and MITUF are represented at the Nadaam Festival in celebrating the 107th anniversary of the trade union movement in Mongolia which organized annually by Confederation of Mongolia Trade Unions.