The law is intended to align Ukraine’s occupational safety and health legislation with EU standards. But in a joint appeal to MPs on 10 October, the unions warned that it risked weakening existing safeguards rather than improving workplace safety.

With around 30 per cent of Ukrainian workers employed in harmful working conditions, the unions said strong legal safeguards were essential. They warned the law could remove legal guarantees for workers in hazardous jobs. These include protections for young workers, pregnant women and workers with disabilities. It could also weaken requirements on personal protective equipment, protective clothing and rest breaks in dangerous working conditions.

The unions also opposed a provision restricting workers’ representation to trade unions that represent at least 25 per cent of an enterprise’s workforce. They warned this risked undermining trade union rights. It could also limit workers’ representatives’ ability to monitor health and safety compliance.

Judith Kirton-Darling, General Secretary of industriAll Europe, said:

“Ukraine’s accession to the European Union must go hand in hand with stronger workers’ rights and safer workplaces. EU Framework Directive 89/391/EEC is clear: European legislation must improve occupational safety and health, not lower existing standards. Aligning with the EU acquis must strengthen workers’ protection and fully involve trade unions through social dialogue. This is essential for a socially just reconstruction of Ukraine.”

Ahead of the vote, the unions called for the disputed provisions to be negotiated with social partners. They also demanded full compliance with international labour standards. They also demanded that occupational safety and health reform be integrated into the broader Labour Code reform process.

Atle Høie, General Secretary of IndustriALL Global Union, said:

“Parliament has adopted this law despite clear warnings from Ukrainian unions. Ukraine has ratified ILO Convention No. 155, which recognizes the essential role of workers and their representatives in workplace safety. Any provision that weakens existing protections or restricts unions’ ability to monitor safety must be reviewed and corrected through genuine social dialogue.”