The residents of the Talas region appealed to the Ombudsman of the Kyrgyz Republic, Jamilya Dzhamanbaeva, requesting protection of their labor rights.
In their appeal, 21 individuals reported that they worked from January 5 to 16 in the city of Talas on the construction of a multi-story building commissioned by the state mortgage company.
According to their claims, they were removed from work on January 16 without explanation, after which about 60 workers from a neighboring country replaced them.
“No labor contracts were signed with us; however, our working hours were recorded, and we have photo and video evidence of our work. We are turning to the Ombudsman for protection of our labor rights and assistance in re-employment,” they noted in their statement.
The institute sent an official request to the Labor and Social Development Ministry's Service for Monitoring and Supervision of Labor Legislation Compliance, as well as to the JSC "GIK" and the Presidential Representative Office in the Talas region.
In a response letter, GIK clarified that they only act as the customer for the construction of mortgage houses, while the actual work is carried out by the state enterprise "Kyrgyzstroyservice".
The institute's employees found out that another organization had previously been engaged in the construction of the residential complex but exited the project without completing it. Later, the object was handed over to a new contractor.
After the institute's intervention, the current contractor expressed readiness to hire local residents if they have the appropriate qualifications and experience.
In early February, the applicants reported in a letter that they had been re-employed and expressed gratitude to the Ombudsman for the assistance provided.
