The key facts

  • 145 monitoring checks conducted, 132 labor law violations identified
  • 3 cases involved forced labor, 86 involved absence of employment contracts
  • Pickers were recovered and paid 8 billion 870.6 million soums; fines totaled 172.8 million soums

Monitoring during the cotton season

Uzbekistan's State Labor Inspectorate reported the results of monitoring checks of labor law compliance in the regions during the cotton harvest season. As of October 10 of the current year, a total of 145 monitoring checks had been conducted, during which 132 cases of law violations were identified.

Structure of violations

Of the identified violations, 3 are related to involving citizens in forced labor, 18 — with non-compliance with labor condition requirements, 25 — with untimely payment for harvesting. In addition, in 86 cases it was established that no employment contracts had been concluded with the pickers.

Fines and payments

Based on the violations, fines totaling 172.8 million soums were imposed in 46 cases: in 44 cases under Article 49 of the Administrative Liability Code — for 106.8 million soums, and in 2 more cases under Article 51 — for 66 million soums. 32 written instructions were issued to responsible officials. According to the Inspectorate, pickers were recovered and paid 8 billion 870.6 million soums of funds owed to them.

Continuation of inspections

The State Labor Inspectorate stated that it will continue monitoring to protect the labor rights of workers during the cotton harvest, ensure timely payment for harvesting, and prevent forced labor.