(30 May, 2025) EPSU has written to the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal, to express grave concern over escalating attacks on trade unions, including the seizure of their property and the detention of trade union leaders.
We are particularly alarmed by the recent forced transfer of the Kyiv Trade Union Building - home to the Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine (FPU) and dozens of other unions - to a private management company. This action was taken without consent of the legal owners and poses a direct threat to the independence and functioning of the Ukrainian trade union movement.
The building, rebuilt after the 2014 Maidan fire with international union solidarity, including contributions from EPSU and its affiliates, is not just an office space but a powerful symbol of Ukraine’s democratic struggle. Its forced alienation undermines ILO Convention 87, which guarantees freedom of association and the protection of trade union property.
We are further concerned by the detention of FPU President Grygorii Osovyi, the growing trend of transferring union-owned buildings to state or private control, and the draft law No. 6420, which risks facilitating the mass confiscation of union assets.
These actions form part of a broader pattern of union suppression, including intimidation, criminal investigations, and legislative attacks that seriously undermine social dialogue and workers’ rights.
EPSU stands in solidarity with Ukrainian workers and trade unions. We call on the government to:
- Immediately end hostile actions against trade unions and their property;
- Ensure open dialogue with the FPU and its affiliates;
- Respect international labour standards and Ukraine’s obligations under ILO Conventions;
- Guarantee that trade unions can play their vital role in rebuilding a democratic, fair and resilient Ukraine.
We urge Prime Minister Shmyhal to use his influence to reverse these attacks and to work with, not against, the trade union movement.
Read the full letter here.
Ukraine
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