Local authorities warned over forced labor during census activities

The Labor Inspectorate reported that cases were identified in which employees were compelled to take part in census-related work outside official working hours under the guise of so-called “mandatory assignments.” Such practices were detected at the administrations of Bukhara city, as well as the Altinkul, Asaka, and Marhamat districts of Andijan region. In response, formal warnings were issued to these local administrations. In addition, a formal submission was sent to the Andijan regional administration requiring the elimination of identified legal violations.

According to the Labor Inspectorate, in recent days some local officials have forcibly involved employees in population registration activities beyond regular working hours. The agency emphasized that assigning employees to work outside their working hours without their consent, whether through pressure, orders, or under the label of “mandatory assignments”, constitutes forced labor and is a violation of the law.

The inspectorate reiterated that overtime work is permissible only with the voluntary consent of the employee. Moreover, payment for overtime work is mandatory and must be carried out in accordance with Article 262 of the Labor Code.

Under the legislation, overtime pay must be calculated as follows: at least 1.5 times the regular rate for the first two hours in a single day; at least double the regular rate for hours exceeding two per day; and at least double the regular rate for each hour worked under unfavorable labor conditions.

The Labor Inspectorate noted that it will continue monitoring compliance with labor legislation and take appropriate measures in cases where forced labor or violations of employees’ rights are identified.