BWI Conference on Reconstruction in Ukraine
BWI’s (Building and Wood Workers` International) Conference on Reconstruction in Ukraine, held on April 9-10, 2024, in Warsaw, Poland, brought together representatives from the Ukrainian trade union PROFBUD, as well as 27 trade unions from 19 countries. Among other attendees were key stakeholders from various sectors – employers, the State Labor Inspectorate of Ukraine, several international trade unions, international financial institutions, international construction businesses, the ILO, and the Solidarity Center in Ukraine.
“It is hard to find words to describe all the challenges the war presents to people of Ukraine, workers and trade unions. However, we did not give up, but continue to do everything we can to unite and support workers and their families, and to prepare for the construction of a new Ukraine,” Vasyl Andreyev, president of the Construction and Building Materials Industry Workers’ Union (PROFBUD) said.
The aim of the conference was to discuss ways forward for the reconstruction of Ukraine, in particular through the construction sector lens. Participants also talked about the importance of occupational safety and health in construction and the need to ensure that a skilled workforce will be available for the reconstruction efforts.
Particular attention was given to the labor clauses as part of the conditionalities to the government of Ukraine, multilateral institutions, and all national and multinational companies involved in the reconstruction activities in Ukraine.
Ambet Yuson, BWI General Secretary, emphasized the vital role of a holistic approach to reconstruction conditionalities in Ukraine with a) mandatory observance of ILO conventions and EU legislation, b) incorporation of accessible trade union grievance mechanisms in all infrastructure and construction project plans, c) creating mechanisms for joint labor inspections in collaboration with national agencies, international construction trade union, and social partners.
Inna Kudinska, a lawyer affiliated with the Solidarity Center and Labor Initiatives, was honored to speak at the panel session dedicated to labor law and policy development in Ukraine. Along with ILO and FES representatives, as well as a Ukrainian journalist on labor and union policy, Inna discussed the current legal and policy developments in Ukraine in the context of martial law regulations and Labor Code drafting and the effect this might have on labor in the country.
“Predictable labor legislation with clear dispute resolution rules and strong collective bargaining will be the best preconditions for post-war reconstruction investments in Ukraine”, Inna Kudinska said.
Also, Inna underscored the humanitarian work of the SC and LI during the war, especially the functioning of the Trade Union Lifeline initiative – as an inter-union and inter-NGO cooperation helping Ukrainians in need.
The Construction and Building Materials Industry Workers’ Union (PROFBUD) presented its innovative and essential courses on obtaining new competencies and work skills in the construction sphere – the Hubs of Informal Vocational Training. Jointly with local business partners, regional authorities, and international donors, the Hubs develop in various cities of Ukraine graduating plumbers, installers of metal-plastic constructions, tilers, and drywall installers needed for rebuilding war-torn houses and facilities.
