Russia’s Trade Unions Push for Mentor Payments Under New Labor Laws

Russia’s annual trade union event on October 7 is focusing this year on mentoring and its role in supporting young workers. Under the slogan For Decent Work of Mentors!, the action highlights the importance of experienced professionals in guiding new employees. The campaign comes as new laws and regional regulations aim to formalise mentoring payments across industries.

The push for better mentoring conditions follows Federal Law No. 381-FZ, passed on November 9, 2024. This legislation amended Russia’s Labour Code to introduce guarantees and allowances for mentors. The law officially took effect on March 1, 2025, giving regions and employers the right to set extra payments for those guiding young specialists.

In the Sakha Republic (Yakutia), the Ministry of Labour and Social Development updated its recommendations on employee remuneration. The new rules, due to apply from January 1, 2026, set mentoring allowances at 15% of the base salary for medical staff and 10% for other state-sector workers. The Republican Tripartite Commission on Social and Labour Relations backed these changes, urging their inclusion in collective and industry-wide agreements. At this year’s trade union event, nine experienced mentors received Certificates of Appreciation and gifts. Their work in training young professionals across Yakutia’s industries was recognised as vital for workforce development. The commission also called for mentoring provisions to be added to territorial tripartite agreements, ensuring broader support for the practice.

The October 7 action has brought attention to mentoring as a key part of professional growth in Russia. With new laws in place and regional regulations set for 2026, mentors will receive formal recognition and financial incentives. The changes aim to strengthen support for young workers while rewarding those who guide them.