At its meeting on October 31, 2025, the Russian Tripartite Commission for the Regulation of Social and Labor Relations (RTC) reviewed a number of draft laws and regulatory legal acts, including a draft government resolution establishing the permissible share of foreign workers in certain types of economic activity in the Russian Federation for 2026. The explanatory note to the resolution, prepared by the Russian Ministry of Labor, notes that it envisages a reduction in the permissible share of foreign workers, particularly in the sectors of trade, transportation, and public catering. 

Thus, the permissible share in 2026 will be reduced for a number of economic activities compared to 2025. For example, for vegetable growing and wholesale trade in lumber, it will be reduced to 40% instead of the 50% established in 2025; for construction, it will be reduced to 50% instead of 80%. A 50% share will also be introduced for a new economic activity—the provision of food and beverages. 

The explanatory note also notes an annual increase in the number of Russian regions proposing to establish a permissible share of foreign workers applicable directly to their regions. Thus, in 2021, this limit was established in four regions, in 2022 – in six regions, in 2023 – in ten regions, in 2024 – in 12 regions, and in 2025 – in 27 regions.

RTK members generally supported the draft resolution.

In addition, the commission discussed a draft order from the Russian Ministry of Transport “On establishing specific work schedules and rest periods for civil aviation personnel whose work is directly related to the movement of civil aircraft,” on which the parties to the RTC are unable to reach agreement. 

This regulation concerns the working hours and rest periods of aircraft crew members, air traffic controllers, and engineering and technical personnel. The draft order was prepared to reissue three existing orders of the Russian Ministry of Transport: No. 10 of January 30, 2004; No. 139 of November 21, 2005; and No. 181 of July 7, 2011. 

Thus, the new project for each category defines the composition of working hours, the normal duration of working hours, the maximum permissible duration of working hours, the specifics of the application of summarized accounting of working hours, involvement in overtime work, types of rest and their duration.

The trade unions support the draft order of the Russian Ministry of Transport, while the employers support it, subject to amendments. Specifically, the employers insist on maintaining the current note in Appendix No. 1 to the Regulation, approved by Order No. 139 of the Russian Ministry of Transport dated November 21, 2005, regarding the permitted increase of a flight shift with one or two landings by one hour, but no more than twice in seven consecutive days, subject to agreement with employee representatives. The trade unions note that this provision is contrary to international standards.

As a result, the RTC Parties reached a decision on the RTC Secretariat requesting the opinion of the Russian Ministry of Justice on this matter.