The International Labour Organization (ILO), with support from the Government of Belgium, is strengthening cooperation with Ukrainian trade unions to help workers cope with the ongoing impacts of war. The initiative focuses on improving worker resilience by enhancing occupational safety, mental health support, and the ability of trade unions to respond to rapidly changing workplace challenges caused by the conflict.
As the war continues to affect millions of workers across Ukraine, trade unions are playing a critical role in supporting employees in sectors such as healthcare, energy, mining, education, transport, and culture. In response to these challenges, the ILO organized discussions and training sessions in Lviv, bringing together union representatives from across the country to exchange practical solutions for protecting workers and maintaining safe working environments under wartime conditions.
A major focus of the initiative is psychosocial support and mental health in the workplace. The war has significantly increased stress, trauma, and emotional strain among workers, affecting both productivity and overall well-being. Through specialized guidance and training, the ILO is helping trade unions identify signs of psychological distress, promote psychologically safe workplaces, and provide support to employees dealing with the effects of conflict and displacement.
The programme also addresses the reintegration of workers returning from military service and aims to strengthen labour protections during the recovery period. The ILO emphasized that social dialogue and strong worker representation are essential for ensuring decent work, protecting labour rights, and supporting long-term economic recovery in Ukraine. Trade unions are being encouraged to modernize their services and adapt to emerging labour market needs created by the ongoing crisis.
The ILO continues to support Ukraine through broader recovery and labour market programmes focused on job preservation, labour law reforms, workplace safety, and economic resilience. The organization has highlighted that international cooperation and sustained support for workers’ organizations are crucial to rebuilding inclusive and resilient labour systems during and after the war.
