ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors examine the work of the Confederation of Free Trade Unions in Kazakhstan to try and show how the analytical approach they are using yields a more effective interpretation for making policy decisions governing labor markets in transition. All to often questions about economic transition deal with policies directed towards macro-economic variables governing change and growth, without really considering the role that human rights can have on the economy through the impact of organised labor. The authors look at the relationship between human rights, trade union organisation, labor market development, and successful economic transition. In contrast members and representatives of the new unions have taken up human rights opportunities found in the new labor laws in Kazakhstan. They have organised “bottom up” organisations in local workplaces across the whole country as a direct and democratic response to the economic and political change facing workers.
