In the Spotlight: draft Labor Code

On May 1, LI legal director George Sandul participated in a prime-time interview on the national TV channel Pershyi (Suspilne Ukraine) to discuss draft Labor Code No. 14386. During the interview, George highlighted several significant risks that the legislation might pose to Ukrainian workers if enacted as proposed. Key concerns included the easing of dismissal procedures, possible cuts to vacation entitlements, weakening of labor protections for women, and the implementation of vague and potentially restrictive strike rules.

George also emphasized that the drafting process of the new Labor Code lacked genuine social dialogue and transparency. According to him, trade unions and workers’ representatives were given very limited opportunities to participate in discussions, while their positions and concerns were largely ignored throughout the drafting process. George stressed that such an approach undermines democratic labor policymaking and may lead to significant deterioration of workers’ rights and social guarantees in Ukraine.