Union Youth: Create Your Future 

On October 2-4, the FPU (Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine) Youth Council convened the All-Ukrainian Forum of Union Youth, encompassing more than 40 representatives of young unionists across Ukraine. The welcoming remarks to participants were made by Esther Lynch, who visited Kyiv with a high-level delegation of EU social partner representatives these days. Among other speakers were representatives of the State Labor Service, employers associations, ministries, the National Qualification Agency, and the State Unemployment Center. 

The agenda of the Forum was intense and focused on the role of union youth in the post-war reconstruction process and in fostering a stronger and more empowered labor community. Lively and constructive discussions with the speakers, proactive attitude to the processes in the union movement, and reasonable questions – this Forum will be remembered by such points. 

George Sandul, Labor Initiatives legal director, and Inna Kudinska, a lawyer affiliated with the Solidarity Center and Labor Initiatives, were invited to speak about labor legislation amid the war. George and Inna highlighted not only practical cases in the implementation of wartime labor regulations but also familiarized participants with the new draft laws in the labor sphere, such as on collective labor disputes, compensation in case of wage arrears, and the amendments to union education vacations. 

Particular focus was placed on the new law on collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), which will take effect after martial law cancellation. Young unionists expressed keen interest in the new clauses of the law as they have been realizing the crucial role of CBA in promoting better working conditions, especially in times of labor reform and war.