Another Landmark Decision on Whistleblower Protection

On October 9, 2024, after a year of court proceedings, the Supreme Court of Ukraine ruled the final decision in the second reinstatement case of prominent union leader and whistleblower Olena Bebeshko from the Independent Trade Union of Aviation Workers, a long-standing partner to Solidarity Center and Labor Initiatives.

The decision states that the employer—the state enterprise “Hall of Official Delegation of Boryspil International Airport” (VIP lounge)—must reinstate Olena in her position after her illegal firing and pay her $4,200 compensation.

Mrs.Bebeshko was fired (for the first time) in 2021 after directing corruption allegations from the union to the National Anti-Corruption Bureau. An appeals court affirmed a 2021 lower court decision that—under whistleblower-protection rules—Bebeshko had been illegally fired in retaliation for reporting widespread corruption at the terminal. The court ordered immediate reinstatement at full pay and awarded her $5,300 compensation.