The Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine supports the updating of labor legislation, but insists on the mandatory inclusion of their amendments and the prevention of any narrowing of workers' rights. This was stated by the Chairman of the FTU, Serhiy Byzov, during the forum "Labor Market for the Economy of the Future," reports UNN.
"We definitely support the update of the Labor Code. Especially since, sooner or later, a post-war period and a time of reconstruction await us,"
According to him, the current version of the bill only partially takes into account the position of trade unions, which is critical given the role of labor relations in the period of post-war reconstruction. At the same time, he emphasized that the FTU categorically opposes the introduction of a lockout provision, which allows an employer to stop the operation of an enterprise in response to a workers' strike. In his opinion, such a provision creates risks for labor collectives, who are already working under conditions of low wages and high workloads.
Separately, Serhiy Byzov drew attention to the problem of wage arrears, citing the example of enterprises where workers have not received money for years, specifically the Odesa Port Plant. He emphasized that trade unions insist on effective mechanisms to protect workers in such situations.
The head of the FTU also criticized initiatives to limit the influence of trade unions on management decisions of enterprises, in particular, the removal of the right to express no confidence in managers. According to him, this could lead to abuses and a deterioration of the situation within labor collectives.
In general, according to Serhiy Byzov, the Federation has submitted a list of "red lines" to the Government and the relevant parliamentary committee, which, in the opinion of the trade union movement, are critical to consider in the updated labor legislation.
Serhiy Byzov focused on the role of workers during wartime, emphasizing that it is the people of labor who ensure the functioning of the economy and critical infrastructure. "Today, a worker is held not by wages, but by their idea, dedication, and sacrifice for their state," he noted.
In conclusion, the Chairman of the FTU called for a broad tripartite dialogue involving the state, employers, and trade unions to refine the Labor Code before the second reading. He emphasized that the Federation is ready for constructive cooperation.
As a reminder
The Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine, Serhiy Byzov, previously stated that trade unions are actively participating in the dialogue regarding the new version of the Labor Code of Ukraine and insist on the full consideration of the position of hired employees during its refinement.
He noted that it is fundamental, in particular, to prevent the weakening of the right to strike or the creation of pressure mechanisms by employers. Special attention, according to the FTU chairman, must be paid to a clear definition of the grounds for fixed-term labor contracts without the possibility of their arbitrary expansion.
The Federation of Trade Unions also advocates for the abolition of the three-month limit for filing a court case in labor remuneration disputes, as it narrows the opportunities for workers to protect their rights.
According to Byzov, the FTU also demands a fair approach to labor remuneration—linking the minimum wage to the subsistence level and at a level no lower than 50% of the average wage in the economy.
In addition, there is a need to preserve social guarantees for vulnerable categories of workers, including leave for hazardous working conditions and other existing benefits, as well as establishing adequate notice periods for changes to essential working conditions.