Decent Work in Ukraine: Defenders` Perspective

On October 1, on the Defenders` Day of Ukraine and on the eve of the World Day for Decent Work, Labor Initiatives organized the panel discussion “Defenders about decent work” in the LI Kyiv hub.

The speakers were long-standing LI partners: Serhii Rudnitskiy, Coca-Cola local union president, former acting head of one the local communities (hromada) in Kyiv region, currently serving in National Guard of Ukraine; Anna Puhachova, lawyer, union expert on social-economic relations, member of the volunteer territorial defence unit; and Bohdan Tytskiy, journalist, union and social activist, officer of Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Participants discussed how their civil experiences in union work, social activism, and community organizing have benefited their military roles, and vice versa—how military experience can influence further union activities. Panelists also shared their views on returning veterans, focusing on their rehabilitation, reskilling, and integration into existing trade unions.

This conversation marked another step in understanding that decent work isn’t solely about the economy—it also involves respect and gratitude for those defending Ukraine, as well as their reintegration into civil life during Ukraine’s reconstruction.