Kazakhstan's new Constitution draft sparks debate on workers' rights and energy future

A public meeting took place in Astana on March 11 to discuss the draft of Kazakhstan's new Constitution. Over 100 participants gathered, including energy sector workers, industry experts, and representatives from Teplotransit JSC. Local maslikhat deputies joined the talks to address key issues in the proposed legal framework.

The event brought together employees of Teplotransit JSC and members of the Nationwide Coalition. Deputies Azamat Aitkhozin, Bauyrzhan Kasymbergenbayev, and Bekzat Zholzhasynov from Astana's maslikhat took part in the discussions. Aitkhozin highlighted that the draft Constitution protects citizens' dignity, ensures the right to work, and promotes equal opportunities for development.

Attendees examined several critical areas in the constitutional text, including human rights, labour relations, and healthcare. Education and digital transformation were also key topics, with a focus on how these would shape the energy sector's future. Kasymbergenbayev stressed the need for a robust legal foundation to support sustainable growth in the industry. Workers' rights and safety measures received particular attention. Participants called for stronger protections, better training programmes, and adaptation to new technologies. The role of digitalisation was underlined as a way to improve transparency, oversight, and working conditions across technical services. While labour rights and social guarantees were discussed in detail, no specific legal provisions on digital transformation or technical accountability were addressed in relation to *Teplotransit* JSC or the energy sector's operational needs.

The meeting concluded with a shared emphasis on aligning the new Constitution with the needs of the energy workforce. Proposals on labour protections, education, and digital advancements were noted as priorities. The feedback gathered will contribute to further discussions on the draft's final provisions.