Draft Basic Law On Employment in the Russian Federation Moves Through Parliament
The Federation Council is scheduled to examine the draft basic law On Employment in the Russian Federation at its upcoming meeting, set for December 7, according to a report from TASS. The Social Policy Committee of the Federation Council has endorsed the bill and recommended that the upper chamber approve it, signaling broad support within the chamber as discussions advance.
Earlier, the State Duma voted on the bill with expectations that it would be adopted on November 30. The proposed version defines core concepts such as employment, self-employment, and platform-based work. It also clarifies the status of individuals who are unemployed yet may be considered employed or those who require job-finding assistance under certain circumstances. This clarification aims to provide clearer criteria for how people are categorized in the labor market and to align official definitions with contemporary work arrangements.
Vyacheslav Volodin, the Chairman of the State Duma, argued for updating the labor code, noting that the existing framework was drafted thirty years ago and should reflect modern labor conditions and practices. The revised law introduces new norms that address illegal employment and sets a minimum level for unemployment benefits, strengthening the social safety net for people without steady work. The changes are presented as a step toward a more resilient and inclusive labor policy that can adapt to evolving employment models.
The bill also includes provisions that recognize priority employment rights for individuals who have completed military service within the scope of mobilization or under contract. This measure acknowledges military service and aligns it with labor market priorities, supporting veterans as they transition into civilian employment opportunities and ensuring their skills are valued in the job market.
Recent statistics cited in the debate indicate a sizable portion of the workforce participates in informal or unofficial work arrangements. This has underscored the need for a formal framework to regulate employment relations and protect workers. The ongoing discussions reflect a broader goal of modernizing labor regulations in Russia to better accommodate the changing nature of work and the emergence of new employment models in various sectors and regions.
Officials from the labor ministry have linked these legislative efforts to wider reforms of the labor market, including considerations around work schedules. There has been public discussion about experimenting with shorter work weeks, a topic the ministry has addressed as part of a broader dialogue on productivity, social welfare, and economic resilience. These conversations showcase a government intent to balance strong employment protections with flexible arrangements that can be tailored to regional needs and sectoral realities. The current political process emphasizes transparency and careful policymaking as lawmakers weigh potential impacts on workers, employers, and the national economy. Source: TASS