“Reunion Trade Union” – Kyiv Regional Camp for Union Youth  

On August 9-10, Solidarity Center and Labor Initiatives supported a two-day youth camp in the city of Irpin for 25 union leaders from the Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine (FPU) from the Kyiv region.

Irpin was chosen deliberately for this event to symbolize Ukrainian resistance, revival, and the state’s future. In the 2022 battle of Irpin, which lasted over one month, 70% of the city was damaged (more about this in the video presented by the representative of Irpin city council to the camp participants).

Young FPU union leaders from the Kyiv region became the core of the Trade Union Lifeline (TUL) initiative, which was formed at the beginning of the Russian full-scale invasion. This initiative was possible in particular due to the networks of union leaders that emerged after numerous educational union events. As the humanitarian needs are not as massive as in 2022, the members of TUL desire to develop in other directions. This camp was named “Reunion Trade Union: New Horizons” to highlight the necessity of youth involvement in all labor-related spheres and the increasing union density by young and active leaders.  

The two-day agenda included legal sessions from the local authorities; presentations from the State Employment Service officials about employment programs for youth, IDPs, and veterans; and a workshop on overcoming war trauma. 

In addition, participants learned about inclusivity and correct communication/engagement with people with disabilities from the prominent Ukrainian NGO “Dostupno.UA” and life skills lifehacks from the Ukrainian Red Cross Society.