"Complaints Arise Regarding Work Environment at Jay Lo's Show in Almaty"
In Almaty, Kazakhstan, the Central Stadium played host to a recent concert on August 10, where over 300 volunteers played a crucial role in its successful execution. The event, which initially had a scheduled duration of 2 hours from 19:00 to 21:00, saw volunteers assisting in various capacities, from crowd control to providing information to attendees.
Prior to the event, these volunteers were briefed on their roles, underwent a week of training, and were provided with clear guidelines on participation conditions. On the stadium grounds, access to drinking water, a special rest area for personal belongings, and food and drinks from a well-known café network were made available.
However, some volunteers took to social media to express concerns about the lack of organisation and not being replaced during their work. These complaints raised questions about the management's work and the need for proper evaluation and provision of conditions for normal food and rest for volunteers.
Tatiana Mironyuk, the executive director of the National Volunteer Network NGO, suggested that people assisting at concerts should be referred to as unpaid staff, rather than volunteers. She emphasised the need for a volunteer coordinator at such events and fair conditions for volunteers, including catering, clear shift schedules, breaks, and travel cost compensation.
Mironyuk also noted that the criticism on social media underscored the importance of adhering to globally recognised best practices in volunteer management. These include clear communication, respect and fairness, health and safety, and recognition of volunteer contributions.
Although there are no Kazakhstan-specific frameworks for volunteer management at commercial events, event organisers are advised to adapt these principles within local labour and public safety laws. Consultation with local legal advisors specialising in labour and event law is advisable to ensure full compliance and ethical integrity.
While some users disagreed with the criticism towards the organisers, stating that they provided food, water, and safety measures, it is clear that there is room for improvement in the management of volunteers at commercial events in Almaty. Organisers maintained constant communication with volunteers to enable replacements and prevent overloads, and assistance with post-concert venue cleanup was entirely voluntary.
The recruitment process for the concert saw over 6,000 interested individuals participating, with minors also being recruited. As public transport operates until 23:00 in the city, no transfer was arranged for the volunteers.
In light of these events, it is crucial for event organisers in Almaty to prioritise the well-being and satisfaction of their volunteers, ensuring that they are treated fairly and with respect, and that they have the resources and support they need to carry out their roles effectively and enjoy the experience.
- Tatiana Mironyuk, the executive director of the National Volunteer Network NGO, suggested that people assisting at concerts in Almaty should be referred to as unpaid staff, rather than volunteers, highlighting the need for a volunteer coordinator at such events and fair conditions for unpaid staff, including catering, clear shift schedules, breaks, and travel cost compensation.
- Mironyuk also noted that the criticism on social media underscored the importance of adhering to globally recognised best practices in unpaid staff management, which include clear communication, respect and fairness, health and safety, and recognition of unpaid staff contributions.
- Organisers of commercial events in Almaty are encouraged to prioritise the well-being and satisfaction of their unpaid staff, ensuring that they are treated fairly and with respect, and that they have the resources and support they need to carry out their roles effectively and enjoy the experience, following global best practices and adapting them within local labour and public safety laws.
