The 114th annual International Labour Conference has commenced its work in Geneva. This year, it is dedicated to the protection of workers' rights amidst ongoing military conflicts and the changes brought about by the rapid development of artificial intelligence, UNN reports.
The International Labour Conference brings together workers and employers from 187 member states of the International Labour Organization. Representatives from Ukraine are also participating in the conference – Serhiy Byzov, Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine (FPU), and Vasyl Andreyev, Chairman of the Builders' Union and Deputy Chairman of the FPU for International Affairs.
On the eve of the opening of the International Conference, a meeting of the International Trade Union Confederation was held, dedicated to the publication of the annual Global Rights Index 2026.
"The figures are disappointing. Violations of labor rights worldwide are increasing in parallel with the rise in the number of armed conflicts and the spread of authoritarian regimes. This is not a coincidence — it is a pattern," Serhiy Byzov reported.
The "Global Rights Index 2026" report itself indicates that in many countries, cases of violence against workers, arrests or detentions of trade union members, restrictions on the right to assembly, and limitations on judicial protection of workers' rights have become more frequent. There has also been an increase in cases where workers are denied the right to collective bargaining to improve working conditions. The situation is further exacerbated by military conflicts arising in various regions of the world. They affect workers' rights both directly – through the deterioration of the security situation, and indirectly through changes in economic structure and humanitarian crises, even in countries not directly involved in the confrontation.
"I will not stop repeating that Russia's aggression against Ukraine is largely responsible for the violation of not only labor rights but also human rights," emphasized ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle during the meeting.
During today's opening of the International Labour Conference, the main challenges facing the protection of workers' rights were outlined: the rapid development of AI, gender inequality, the impact of military conflicts and crises, the slowdown of progress in the field of decent employment, and the further deepening of inequality in income distribution.
The International Conference will continue its work until June 12. Within the framework of the conference, the signing of the Decent Work Country Programme for Ukraine for 2026-2029 is expected. The program defines the strategic foundations of the support that the International Labour Organization will provide to Ukraine during the critical period of recovery, reconstruction, and accession to the European Union. The program outlines the ILO's contribution to promoting decent work, social justice, and inclusive recovery in Ukraine.
"Ukraine is present at all platforms where the fate of labor rights is decided. And we will be here — until we win," emphasized FPU Chairman Serhiy Byzov.