Amendments to the Labour Code initiated by members of Parliament have been approved by the Mazhilis at the second reading. The changes are aimed at improving occupational safety, strengthening the protection of employees’ rights, and clarifying employers’ obligations.
The proposed updates are systemic in nature and affect key aspects of labour relations. In particular, the list of employers’ internal acts is being expanded, and a new employee right is being закрепed — the right to respect and protection of personal dignity. Local executive authorities will also receive additional powers in the area of social partnership.
Significant changes relate to fixed-term employment contracts. The procedure for their extension is being clarified: if a contract expires during a period of temporary incapacity for work or social leave, it will be automatically extended. Small businesses will be allowed to extend fixed-term contracts an unlimited number of times. For heads of organisations, the contract will remain in force until the founders decide on the appointment of a new head.
Requirements for changing working conditions and terminating employment are also being strengthened. Employers will be required to notify employees in writing of any changes to working conditions and to comply with updated rules when dismissing employees. Additional guarantees are being introduced for pregnant women and parents of children under three years of age when extending fixed-term contracts.
A separate set of amendments concerns study leave. It is being introduced in an updated format: the duration may be up to six months, with job retention and, in certain cases, preservation of the employee’s average salary.
Stricter requirements are also being introduced in the field of occupational safety. Employers will be required to modernise fixed assets, while technical labour protection inspectors will receive statutory powers, including participation in accident investigations and the right to file lawsuits to protect employees’ interests.
COMPARATIVE TABLE OF THE PLANNED AMENDMENTS TO THE LABOUR CODE
Source: Uchet.kz
