EPSU calls on Ukrainian parliament and government to address trade union concerns over Labour law reform

(8 September 2021)  The Ukrainian Parliament, the Verkovna Rada, is considering reform of the labour law. Many of its amendments would be regressive for workers’ rights and would not be compatible with international labour standards, contained in the ILO instruments nor with instruments such as the European Social Charter and the acquis Communautaire of the European Union. EPSU joined ETUC and ITUC in drawing attention to these problems and pointed out the lack of meaningful consultation with the trade unions over the proposals.

EPSU, ETUC, ITUC and others have pointed out repeatedly the problems posed for workers’ and trade union rights by the reforms. Most recently the drafts have been subject to a technical analysis conducted by experts in the framework of two ILO technical cooperation projects - the technical cooperation project “Rights at Work: Improving  Ukraine’s Compliance with Key International Labour Standards” and the EU-ILO Project “Towards safe, healthy and declared work in Ukraine”. The experts raised concerns about non-compliance of numerous provisions of these drafts with international labour standards. For the detailed comments please check the letter.

We demand that these drafts be withdrawn. The formal proceedings in the Verkhovna Rada are to be stopped. These legislative changes must be subject to full consultations with trade unions. EPSU and the broader European and international union movement will mobilse to support the Ukrainian workers and their unions.  We expect from the European Commission more action to ensure workers standards are not lower following the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement.

EPSU letter of concern re ongoing regressive labour legislation reform in Ukraine

The speech of the Deputy Chairman of the FPU Alexander Shubin at the meeting of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Integration into the EU - Regarding the Draft Law of Ukraine “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts regarding Simplification of Labour Relations Regulation for Small and Medium Business as well as Alleviation of Administrative Burden on Business” (No 5371)

For the Ukrainian version of this article