In Kyiv started a series of tripartite consultations between the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, representatives of employers and trade unions, as well as the International Labor Organization (ILO). The goal is to finalize the updated draft of the Labor Code of Ukraine. The first meeting was devoted to the provisions of Book I — the general part of the Code, which covers the basics of labor law, terminology, structure and principles of social dialogue.
The consultations were attended by representatives of government structures, the United Representative Body of Employers, the United Representative Body of Trade Unions at the national level, people’s deputies, scientists and ILO experts.
The consultations are a continuation of the agreements reached within the framework of the Tripartite Memorandum on Labor Market Reform. The document was signed during the URC 2025 conference in Rome with the participation of the European Commission, the Council of Europe, the ILO, the World Bank and the European Trade Union Confederation.
“We are beginning the final stage of the development of the new Labor Code, which will replace the current one adopted in Soviet times. This document should become a modern framework for labor relations in Ukraine, where the rights of workers are protected, business conditions are ensured and European principles of decent work are fixed. The reform takes place in a constructive dialogue with trade unions, employers and international partners. This gives us a chance to form labor legislation that will meet the needs economy, as well as EU and ILO standards”, — noted Tetyana Berezhna, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine.
Over the last year, technical work on the project of the new Labor Code continued with the participation of ILO specialists. The document provides for the renewal of labor relations regulation mechanisms, in particular the development of social dialogue institutions, ensuring equal opportunities, increasing the transparency of labor practices and strengthening social protection, which is especially relevant in the conditions of post-war recovery.
“The signing of the Rome Memorandum paves the way for removing the remaining barriers to the finalization of the Labor Code. There is now a common understanding that social dialogue can become a practical tool for the three parties in the process of bringing labor legislation into line with international labor standards. This is of particular importance in the context of post-war reconstruction.” — said Aida Lindmayer, director of the ILO representative office in Ukraine.
In the near future, consultations will continue in the format of thematic discussions of individual sections of the project. The ILO will continue to provide technical support and promote a transparent and inclusive dialogue, with financial support from the Government of Canada.
