War in Ukraine: workers’ rights and building international union solidarity

On January 21, the team of Labour Initiatives, as an implementer of the LO-supported project “Trade Unions Fighting Inequality and Reconstructing Peace and Democracy in Ukraine,” presented its work during an event in Oslo.

During the meeting, the organisation shared its experience of how Russia’s full-scale invasion affects workers’ lives in Ukraine and the protection of their labour rights.

Ukrainian workers face numerous daily challenges. These include power outages at workplaces and at home, disruptions to utility services and heating caused by Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, long queues for public transport, and ongoing security threats due to frequent air attacks. Living under these conditions also creates constant psychological pressure.

Despite these difficulties, Ukrainians continue working, volunteering, and defending their country. The Labour Initiatives team presented its work from several perspectives, including providing legal assistance to workers, analysing new labour legislation, increasing media visibility of workers’ issues, and participating in volunteer initiatives, including service in a mobile air defence unit.

The team also highlighted how the war has affected workers seeking assistance from the Labour Initiatives legal clinic, described the most common problems faced by workers, and drew attention to legislative initiatives in Ukraine that may weaken labour protections.

Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of mutual aid and international trade union solidarity. These solidarity efforts significantly increased after the start of the full-scale invasion and continue to serve as a crucial source of support for workers in Ukraine.