New work schedule proposed for Astana: Labor Ministry responds to initiative
Tengrinews.kz - Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Labor and Social Protection has commented on the Akimat (local government administration) of Astana's recent proposal to revise the work schedule for certain organizations in the city.
What happened
On Monday, Astana akim (governor) Zhenis Kassymbek announced that the city is considering adjusting work hours for specific sectors in an effort to ease traffic congestion.
“We are analyzing transport flows in different areas and exploring multiple options to address congestion. One such option is to change the start, lunch, or end times of the working day for specific sectors or districts,” Kassymbek said while speaking to journalists in the corridors of Akorda.
He noted that one of the proposals involves starting the workday at 08:30 a.m. for government agencies, budget-funded institutions, and municipal services. If approved, the changes could be implemented as early as August.
What the Labor Ministry says
Yerbolat Abulhatin, Chairman of the Committee for State Labor Inspection at the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, responded to the proposal.
“The Ministry of Labor participated in a study on whether shifting the work schedule would have negative effects. No adverse impacts were found,” Abulhatin stated.
He emphasized that local executive bodies are permitted to set their own work schedules based on regional needs.
“For example, in the East Kazakhstan region and other areas, different schedules have already been adopted. The ministry itself operates from 08:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. What matters most is compliance with the Labor Code, maintaining the standard eight-hour workday and a 40-hour workweek. The Astana Akimat has the authority to set its own working hours,” he added.
Major shift proposed: Authorities consider changing work hours in Astana