Labor disputes

Labor disputes are conflicts that arise between an employee and an employer (or between a group of employees and an employer) regarding issues related to employment relationships — such as wages, working conditions, discipline, termination, and working hours.

Types of Labor Disputes

1. Individual Labor Disputes

   • Disagreements between a single employee and the employer (e.g., unpaid salary, wrongful dismissal).

2. Collective Labor Disputes

   • Disagreements between a group of employees or a labor union and the employer (e.g., disputes over working conditions, wage increases, violation of collective agreements).

Common Causes of Labor Disputes

• Breach of employment contract terms.

• Delay or non-payment of wages.

• Poor or unsafe working conditions.

• Unlawful dismissal or disciplinary actions.

• Discrimination in the workplace.

• Violations of work and rest time schedules.

Procedures for Resolving Labor Disputes

1. Internal Resolution (Pre-trial Settlement):

   • Filing a complaint with the HR department or company management.

   • Settling through a labor dispute commission (if available in the company).

2. Government Labor Inspection:

   • Filing a complaint with the Labor Inspectorate of the Ministry of Employment and Labor Relations.

3. Court Resolution:

   • If the issue is unresolved internally, the employee may file a claim in court.

   • The court will examine the evidence and make a legally binding decision.

4. Peaceful Settlement (Negotiation):

   • Parties may resolve the dispute through mutual agreement or mediation.

Time Limits for Filing Disputes

• For individual labor disputes – within 3 months from the date the employee became aware of the violation.

• For unlawful dismissal – within 1 month from the date of dismissal.

• For collective disputes – within the terms defined by relevant legal procedures.

Legal Framework

• Labor Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan

• Law on Employment, Law on Occupational Safety

• Relevant ministerial decrees and government regulations

Example

• An employee files a lawsuit after being unfairly dismissed without proper notice.

• The court rules in favor of the employee, ordering reinstatement and compensation for lost wages