EMPLOYMENT PRACTICE
In Uzbekistan, the average wage from January 2023 to December 2023 was 4,550,000 UZS (equivalent to $368.76 at the Central Bank’s exchange rate as of December 31, 2023 https://www.goldenpages.uz/uz/zarplata/). The minimum wage per person per month is 1,155,000 UZS (about $93.63). At TUIT, the average salary is approximately 5,000,000 UZS (around $405), which is four times the minimum wage set for a family of four.
The university recognizes unions for all staff members, including women and international employees. The Tashkent University of Information Technologies (TUIT) Primary Civil Union Committee (PCUC) advocates for the social, economic, and legal rights of its diverse membership, which includes professors, teaching staff, doctoral candidates, employees, and long-serving retirees. Consisting of 17 active members, the PCUC collaborates closely with university administration to ensure that women and international staff interests are fully considered in decision-making processes (https://tuit.uz/kasaba-uyushmasi-qomitasi).
The university administration consults with the PCUC before implementing decisions impacting staff, ensuring timely consideration of recommendations. PCUC members receive necessary updates on employment matters and other socio-political developments relevant to university operations.
The PCUC upholds the rights of its members without discrimination based on nationality, gender, age, or religious beliefs, ensuring fair labor conditions, protections against unemployment, and freedom of work choice.
The university has a comprehensive policy on ending workplace discrimination, established in 2019 and revised in 2023. This policy strictly prohibits discrimination based on religion, sexuality, gender, age, nationality, or any other personal characteristic. It also includes clear stances against forced labor, modern slavery, human trafficking, and child labor, emphasizing the university’s commitment to fundamental human rights (https://static.tuit.uz/uploads/1/alWFaKt0NGRHDpLW_UyQInCHumPE27pR.pdf).
The university strives to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where all individuals feel valued and respected. The policy includes specific guidelines and measures to prevent discrimination, such as mandatory training on anti-discrimination and anti-exploitation practices, regular workplace assessments, and accessible channels for reporting grievances. Any reported issues are taken seriously and addressed promptly through a transparent investigative process.
The commitment to non-discrimination and ethical labor practices extends to hiring, promotions, and professional development, ensuring fair and equal treatment. This policy reflects the university’s dedication to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and rights-based environment for all.
The university policy that guarantees equivalent rights for workers when outsourcing activities to third parties. “The Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy”, created in 2021 and revised in 2022, aims to establish and promote the university’s commitment to fair treatment for all staff, students, and visitors, regardless of whether they are employed directly or through outsourced contractors. This policy ensures that outsourced workers enjoy the same rights and protections as in-house staff, promoting a culture of equality and inclusion. It also focuses on maintaining a work environment where diversity is celebrated, and all individuals are treated fairly, with no discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, or other personal characteristics. By implementing this policy, the university ensures that outsourced labor is treated with respect and dignity, safeguarding workers’ rights and promoting an inclusive, supportive atmosphere across all university operations, both internal and external. (https://tuit.uz/equality-diversity-inclusion-policy).
A policy on pay scale equity is in place, which includes a commitment to the measurement and elimination of gender pay gaps. The policy ensures that all staff, regardless of gender, receive equal pay for equal work. Regular assessments of pay scales are conducted to ensure fairness and transparency, with a focus on identifying and addressing any disparities. Active efforts are made to close gender-based pay gaps through strategic interventions and ongoing monitoring.
The policy aims to create a fair and inclusive working environment, where compensation is based on qualifications, experience, and job performance, not gender. This approach reflects a broader commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, as outlined in the official policy document. Additionally, the university measures and tracks pay scale gender equity, regularly reviewing and analyzing salary data to identify any existing gender disparities and ensure corrective actions are taken. (https://static.tuit.uz/uploads/1/alWFaKt0NGRHDpLW_UyQInCHumPE27pR.pdf).
There is a clear process for employees to appeal issues related to employee rights and pay. Employees can submit formal appeals through designated channels, such as the human resources department or the employee union. The process ensures that grievances are reviewed fairly and promptly, with employees being informed of their rights and options throughout. An independent committee may be involved to assess the appeal, and appropriate corrective measures are taken if necessary. This process reflects a commitment to transparency, fairness, and upholding employees’ rights within the workplace (https://static.tuit.uz/uploads/1/apuNGLMKe3eikXt65X1AdDYKa9tVvvRt.pdf).
The university recognizes labor rights, including freedom of association and collective bargaining, for all staff members, including women and international employees. The internal labor code of the university has been developed with specific provisions to address the needs of women and international staff, ensuring their rights are fully protected. This includes guaranteeing the freedom to join unions, engage in collective bargaining, and participate in discussions that affect their working conditions. The university is committed to providing a fair and inclusive environment where all employees, regardless of gender or nationality, can exercise their labor rights freely and without discrimination.
(https://static.tuit.uz/uploads/1/ZYwlSOoH6K27FlL0E9pftiZKeJCuOJaT.pdf).
