Kyrgyzstan may revise labor laws for teachers of retirement age

AKIPRESS.COM – President Sadyr Japarov has proposed amending the Labor Code to allow young professionals to take up positions currently held by employees of retirement age at a meeting with residents of Ala-Buka district in Jalal-Abad region.

During the meeting, a resident of Padek village and a member of the local village council raised the issue of youth employment.

She pointed out that individuals of retirement age still hold positions in educational institutions and other organizations, while young professionals struggle to find work.

She suggested exploring ways to open up these job opportunities for the younger generation.

Minister of Education Dogdurkul Kendirbaeva noted that following salary increases within the education sector, competition for jobs has intensified.

She added that teachers who have reached retirement age cannot be dismissed solely on the basis of their age, as they are protected by the Labor Code and are not classified as civil servants.

The Minister added that some of the teachers currently employed are between 65 and 70 years old.

Sadyr Japarov asked whether it would be possible to replace such employees with young professionals.

Kendirbaeva replied that current legislation does not permit the dismissal of teachers without their consent. She cited cases where dismissed employees had taken their cases to court and were subsequently reinstated in their positions.

“We should amend the Labor Code, given that young people are waiting in line and there is such competition for jobs. Work on this in coordination with the Parliament. If you bring me a draft law, I will sign it, and we will resolve this issue at the legislative level,” the President said.