Workers Strike Again in Kazakhstan’s Oil Region

Employees of the transport company MunaySpetsSnab Company in Zhanaozen have gone on strike, Orda.kz reports.

Workers refused to show up for their shifts, saying their labor rights are being violated and calling for social justice.

We want our demands met. Let them hear the voice of the workers, the group said in a statement.

Their appeal was addressed to local and national authorities, as well as to KazMunayGas.

In response, MunaySpetsSnab Company said that wages are paid on time and all social benefits are provided in accordance with the law. The company denies any wrongdoing.

The refusal of employees to report for the night shift on October 28 and the subsequent work stoppage are illegal and without cause,management stated. 

Founded in 2008, MunaySpetsSnab Company provides transport and logistics services to oilfield companies, including subsidiaries of KazMunayGas.

According to government data (Egov), the company’s founder is listed as Nysangul Abdullayeva.

This is not the first labor dispute at the enterprise. Workers have repeatedly demanded higher wages and better working conditions.

In 2021, around 130 drivers went on strike for a week. In 2023, more than a hundred employees marched through the streets of Zhanaozen toward the city hall, appealing directly to the president. That conflict was resolved after a meeting with the management of OzenMunayService.

Another strike took place at the company in 2024.

Several months ago, Askhat Oralov was appointed deputy akim of the Mangystau region. Experts describe Oralov as a “field-type” manager known for his ability to engage directly with local workers.

Original Author: Zarina Faizulina