The International Labour Organization (ILO), with support from the Government of Belgium, is working with Ukrainian trade unions to strengthen their capacity to support workers affected by the ongoing war, with a focus on mental health, occupational safety and health, and adapting services to rapidly evolving needs.
In Lviv on 28-29 April 2026, the ILO convened trade union representatives from across Ukraine's key sectors, including energy, mining, healthcare, education, culture, and transport, to exchange practical approaches to supporting workers in wartime conditions.
Discussions centred on how trade unions can strengthen their services, particularly in occupational safety and health and psychosocial support. Participants shared practical ways to foster psychologically safe working environments, identify early signs of distress, and provide basic support to colleagues. Special attention was given to the reintegration of workers returning from military service and to strengthening trade unions' ability to respond to rapidly evolving needs.
The event brought together representatives from the Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine (FPU) and the Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Ukraine (KVPU).
Opening the event, Petro Tulei, Deputy Head of the Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Ukraine (KVPU), and Roman Datsko, Head of the Association of Trade Unions of the Lviv Region, stressed the importance of trade unions in supporting workers through tailored approaches and helping workplaces continue to function under the pressures of war.
Deputy Head of All Ukrainian Trade Union of Defenders of Ukraine, Sofia Cherepanova, highlighted the challenges faced by soldiers, their families, and those returning to civilian work.
The programme also encouraged participants to consider how trade unions can prepare for different scenarios in a changing social and economic landscape. International perspectives were shared through cooperation with the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO Norway), enriching discussions with comparative experiences.
Participants also highlighted broader challenges, including legal obstacles to effective social dialogue and concerns about insufficient engagement of workers' representatives in decision-making processes. These issues were seen as barriers to ensuring adequate protection and support for workers.
The exchange of experiences across sectors and regions highlighted the importance of solidarity within the trade union movement and the need for structured and sustained support to workers in crisis conditions.
Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction will require enormous effort and international support. Trade unions will have a crucial role in ensuring that this reconstruction is fair, inclusive, and grounded in international labour standards.
Aida Lindmeier, Director, ILO Ukraine Country Office
"Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction will require enormous effort and international support. Trade unions will have a crucial role in ensuring that this reconstruction is fair, inclusive, and grounded in international labour standards. It must create decent jobs, protect workers' rights, and ensure that the benefits of recovery reach all parts of society.
Strong, representative, and forward-looking trade unions will be essential to achieving this vision.
The International Labour Organization, through ACTRAV and the Country Office for Ukraine, is proud to support you in this process," said Aida Lindmeier, Director of ILO Ukraine Country Office.
The initiative forms part of the ILO's broader efforts to promote decent work and resilience in Ukraine, with a strong focus on strengthening the role of trade unions in responding to the challenges of the war.
