Trade Union Committee

The Trade Union Committee of the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts (ASUCA) is a public organisation established to protect the labour, social and economic rights and legitimate interests of the University’s employees. It operates within the structure of the Republican Committee of the Azerbaijan Free Trade Union of Education Workers, which is part of the Confederation of Trade Unions of Azerbaijan and represents the interests of a large number of education professionals.

The University’s Trade Union Committee brings together approximately 550 members from the University’s five faculties and other structural units.

The Committee conducts its activities in accordance with the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On Trade Unions” (24 February 1994, No. 792), the Charter of the Azerbaijan Free Trade Union of Education Workers, the Labour Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the Collective Agreement concluded with the University’s administration.

The Committee has previously been chaired by Nasir Sadiqzade, Nailə Karimova and Aydin Shikhaliyev, who served in the role for nearly 20 years. Since 2010, the Committee has been chaired by Sayavush Elman oglu Mahishov, PhD in Art History and Associate Professor.

The Committee comprises a 17-member Council, a seven-member Presidium and the following commissions:

Organisational Affairs Commission
Cultural, Social and Sports Activities Commission
Labour and Social Protection Commission
Occupational Safety Commission
Individual Labour Disputes Commission
Audit Commission
Protecting the health and well-being of University employees and providing them with vouchers for sanatoriums, health resorts and holiday facilities across Azerbaijan are among the Committee’s key responsibilities. To this end, nearly 200 vouchers have been obtained and distributed to union members over the past five years.

The Committee also pays special attention to recognising members on milestone birthdays. At the beginning of each year, a list of employees celebrating significant birthdays is compiled, and those concerned receive awards in accordance with the Committee’s decision.

Every year, to mark World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day on 31 December and the New Year, the Committee purchases tickets to New Year celebrations for the children and grandchildren of union members, using funds from its own budget.

Over the past five years, following requests from the University’s administration and the Trade Union Committee, more than 35 employees have received Certificates of Honour and monetary awards from the Azerbaijan Free Trade Union of Education Workers.