Strengthening Capacity of the Local Deminers’ Union
On May 12–14, in the Poltava region, LI supported a capacity-building training event for the local chapter of the Humanitarian Deminers’ Union operating within the Ukrainian branch of Norwegian People’s Aid and affiliated with the Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Ukraine (KVPU).
The training brought together 22 union members and shop stewards and focused on strengthening organizational capacity, improving organizing and leadership skills, communication strategies, and enhancing practical knowledge in labor rights protection and collective bargaining.
This local chapter union is quite new, and its members are eager to learn the basics of union activities. Additionally, the Ukrainian branch of Norwegian People’s Aid has been recognized by its workers and KVPU as a socially responsible employer. The local union now intends to negotiate a collective agreement with the employer, marking a pioneering achievement for demining workers in Ukraine.
Throughout the seminar, trainers provided comprehensive guidance across multiple disciplines. KVPU representatives Yana Sherbynska and Dmytro Samokhvalov led core sessions on organizing skills and membership growth, with specific emphasis on occupational health and safety legislation.
LI communications manager Hanna Sinkova and LI event manager Valeria Oshevska-Vohmianina presented an overview of LI’s work and its ongoing support for the development of strong and sustainable local union chapters. Particular attention was given to LI activities focused on effective collective bargaining practices, member engagement, and the importance of building resilient trade union structures in challenging working environments.
Participants also attended a dedicated media and communications session led by Ludmyla Tyahniriadno, journalist at Ukrainian Radio. The session explored trade union representation in the public sphere, strategic communication approaches, and practical storytelling techniques to strengthen visibility, advocacy efforts, and grassroots organizing.
In addition, attorney Kateryna Hryhorenko conducted an in-depth legal workshop focused on the union’s day-to-day legal challenges. The session included an interactive Q&A covering the most common labor rights violations faced by workers, effective legal remedies, practical mechanisms for protecting workers’ rights in the workplace, and collective bargaining and social dialogue as vital tools for protecting workers’ rights.
