The war has brought Ukraine not only a frontline, but also deep transformations in the social and labor spheres. Workers’ rights that once seemed guaranteed have come under pressure due to extraordinary circumstances. Vasyl Andreev, Deputy Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine and Head of the Construction Workers’ Trade Union, spoke in an exclusive comment about how the situation for Ukrainian workers has changed, what challenges trade unions face, and what prospects exist for restoring social dialogue.
The focus is on the labor rights of Ukrainians both inside the country and abroad, adaptation to wartime realities, the humanitarian mission of trade unions, and hope for restoring trust between employees, the state, and employers.
Reduction of Labor Rights During the War
After the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine was forced to urgently amend its labor legislation. In March 2022, the Verkhovna Rada adopted the Law “On the Organization of Labor Relations under Martial Law.” According to Andreev, this law became a turning point in the sphere of workers’ rights.
“Salaries can now be claimed only within three months, not indefinitely as before. Collective agreements could be suspended by an employer’s decision in the parts they consider necessary. The war has reduced the scope of labor rights,” he said.
This has narrowed the ability of trade unions to protect workers and reduced opportunities for collective dialogue. The labor inspection has also lost part of its authority, despite Ukraine’s commitments to the European Union during accession negotiations.
“This causes discussions not only in Ukraine but also in the EU, because labor inspection is one of the fundamental elements of European guarantees,” Andreev emphasized.
Support at the Front and in the Rear
More than 20 percent of Ukrainian trade union members are currently serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Some joined voluntarily, others were mobilized, but all remain part of the large trade union family.
“We collect equipment, first-aid kits, and vehicles so that our members can serve more safely. Even in the army, representation is needed — regarding financial support, service conditions, and social guarantees,” Andreev said.
At the same time, trade unions continue their humanitarian mission. More than one million Ukrainians have received assistance from trade unions, ranging from accommodation in hotels during evacuation to food and medical aid packages for internally displaced persons.
Ukrainians Abroad: Assistance Through Partner Trade Unions
Labor rights issues affect Ukrainians not only within Ukraine. Andreev notes that Ukrainians working in Poland often face violations, primarily non-payment of wages.
“When dishonest employers, sometimes even those with Ukrainian roots, fail to pay people, we use our connections with Polish trade unions and non-governmental organizations to contact such employers or even the National Labor Inspectorate. We have cases where we managed to recover wages for our members,” he explained.
Trade unions encourage Ukrainians abroad to join local trade union organizations, as this provides access to legal protection and consultations.
Professional Training and Labor Shortages
The labor market has undergone serious changes. Millions of Ukrainians have left the country, and hundreds of thousands have been mobilized. At the same time, rebuilding the country requires a workforce.
“In some sectors, two out of three workers are missing. That is why we open vocational training centers where basic professions can be obtained in as little as ten days, for example in construction or mechanical engineering,” Andreev noted.
The Construction Workers’ Trade Union has opened a network of training institutions that prepare plasterers, painters, welders, façade installers, and window installers. This is critically important for the rapid restoration of housing destroyed by Russian shelling.
Social Dialogue: A Path to Recovery
The war has significantly narrowed opportunities for dialogue between employees, the state, and employers. However, according to Andreev, the situation is gradually improving.
“We see the government’s efforts to restore the Tripartite Social and Economic Council, the main platform for dialogue. This is an important step that will be positively received by all workers,” he said.
A new law regulating labor relations during wartime provides for 90 days of negotiations between employers and trade unions on restoring collective agreements suspended during the war.
The Issue of the Trade Union Building
The Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine still does not have access to its historic headquarters, the Trade Union Building in Kyiv.
“Any criminal proceedings should aim at justice and punishment of the guilty, not the entire community of more than two million people,” Andreev stressed.
The Future: Return of Ukrainians and European Integration
According to Andreev, the return of Ukrainians from abroad depends not only on wage levels, but also on decent working conditions, social protection, and confidence in the future.
The Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine cooperates with the International Labour Organization, the European Trade Union Confederation, and the International Trade Union Confederation to adapt Ukrainian legislation to EU standards.
“We are part of the global trade union family, and our efforts are aimed at making life better for every trade union member in Ukraine,” Andreev concluded.
Labor rights in Ukraine are undergoing profound transformation during the war. The key task remains preserving people’s trust, developing partnerships, restoring social dialogue, and protecting Ukrainians’ right to decent work — both at the front and in the rear.
