Termez State University formally recognises the role of trade unions in representing and protecting the professional, economic and social interests of its academic, administrative and support personnel. The university maintains an established trade union organisation (Kasaba uyushmasi) that provides a representative framework for employees to participate in institutional affairs, express workplace concerns and access support in matters concerning employment conditions and professional well-being. This approach is grounded in the principles of freedom of association, voluntary participation, equal treatment and respect for the rights of all employees, including women and international personnel.
The institutional framework operates in accordance with Article 73 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Law No. O‘RQ-588 of 6 December 2019, On Trade Unions, as amended. These legal provisions recognise trade unions as organisations responsible for representing workers' socioeconomic interests and establish fundamental principles of voluntary membership, independence, non-discrimination and equality. The university's recognition of employee representation is further supported by Uzbekistan's Labour Code, which provides legal protections for workers and establishes mechanisms for safeguarding employment rights.
Democratic Representation and Institutional Recognition
A significant demonstration of the university's commitment to trade union recognition took place on 28 April 2025, when Termez State University held its Trade Union Reporting and Election Conference.
The event brought together representatives of the national and regional councils of the Federation of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan, university management and elected delegates representing academic faculties, departments and administrative units. The participation of these stakeholders demonstrated the established relationship between the university's employee representative organisation, the wider national trade union system and institutional leadership.
During the conference, the Trade Union Committee presented a comprehensive report covering its activities throughout 2020–2025. Delegates subsequently participated in the election of committee members and the audit commission through open voting procedures. The position of Trade Union Committee Chairperson was determined through a competitive secret ballot conducted in accordance with the regulations of the Federation of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan.
Following the election, Samat Nishonovich Nishonov was re-elected as Chairperson of the Termez State University Trade Union Committee. The conference demonstrated the continuity of employee representation, the operation of formal electoral procedures and the university's recognition of an organised representative body with its own elected leadership.
Equal Representation for Women and International Employees
Termez State University's employment framework recognises the importance of ensuring that trade union opportunities are available without discrimination based on gender, professional position or nationality. The principles established under Uzbekistan's trade union legislation provide a foundation for equal participation among employees, while the Labour Code protects the labour rights of foreign nationals working in the country, subject to applicable legal provisions.
Female academic staff, administrative personnel and other women employees are included within the university's employee representation and welfare framework. The Trade Union Committee cooperates with the university's Women's Advisory Council in organising activities that promote workplace inclusion, professional well-being and opportunities for women's participation in institutional life.
In February 2025, the Trade Union Committee and Women's Council jointly organised an ethnosport initiative for female employees. Participation was extended to women working as professors, lecturers, tutors and administrative or support personnel, reflecting an inclusive approach to employee welfare across different professional categories.
The university's institutional recognition of employee representation is intended to encompass international academic and professional personnel employed under applicable labour arrangements. Equal access to representation, communication of employment rights and fair treatment are important elements of ensuring that international employees can participate in university life under appropriate legal and institutional conditions.
Employee Welfare and Practical Trade Union Activities
Trade union recognition at Termez State University extends beyond formal institutional structures. The Trade Union Committee actively contributes to employees' social welfare through recreational activities, cultural programmes and initiatives designed to strengthen professional solidarity and workplace well-being.
An example of this commitment was implemented on 5 May 2025, when university management and the Trade Union Committee jointly organised a cultural and educational excursion under the national Travel around Uzbekistan initiative. Approximately 50 veteran educators and university employees participated in the programme, visiting historical and cultural destinations across Uzbekistan. The activity recognised the contributions of experienced academic personnel while providing opportunities for recreation, social interaction and continued engagement with the university community.
A further initiative took place on 12–14 September 2025, when academic and administrative employees participated in a cultural excursion to Tashkent. The programme introduced participants to historical monuments, cultural institutions and important sites associated with Uzbekistan's modern development. The university's Trade Union Committee covered the travel expenses, demonstrating its direct contribution to employee welfare and recreational opportunities.
These activities complement the union's representative responsibilities by strengthening relationships among employees and supporting a more cohesive institutional environment. They demonstrate the practical operation of the Trade Union Committee and its continuing engagement with different categories of university personnel.
Institutional Mechanisms for Labour Rights Protection
The university's recognition of trade unions is reinforced by its legal and administrative support arrangements. The institutional legal service provides assistance to employee representative organisations in carrying out their responsibilities, including matters concerning labour legislation, employment conditions, institutional agreements and the protection of workers' rights.
The legal framework supports the involvement of employee representatives in processes relating to collective employment interests, occupational conditions and the resolution of workplace concerns. Such arrangements are important for ensuring that employees have access to recognised channels for expressing their interests and obtaining guidance on employment-related matters.
Trade union membership remains voluntary. Employees' decisions to participate or not participate in representative organisations must not result in discriminatory treatment or restrictions on their lawful employment rights.
Commitment to Decent Work and Inclusive Institutional Governance
Termez State University's trade union framework reflects its commitment to treating employee representation as an integral component of responsible institutional governance. The presence of an elected Trade Union Committee, established cooperation with the national trade union system, formal electoral procedures and continuing employee welfare activities provides a foundation for protecting workers' interests and strengthening institutional accountability.
By recognising the importance of independent employee representation and supporting opportunities for participation across its workforce, the university promotes a working environment based on fairness, professional dignity and respect for labour rights.
Through these institutional arrangements, Termez State University advances Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, supporting freedom of association, inclusive employee representation, social protection and more equitable working conditions. Its established trade union organisation contributes to a university environment in which employees' professional and socioeconomic interests are recognised as essential components of sustainable institutional development.