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New version of Ukraine’s Labour Code modernises labour legislation and brings Ukraine closer to the EU: Oleksii Sobolev

Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, posted 25 August 2025 11:41

On 21 August, the final of six planned tripartite consultations took place to discuss the updated draft of Ukraine’s Labour Code. To uphold social dialogue principles, seek consensus, and find compromise solutions on specific provisions, the event brought together representatives from the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture, the International Labour Organization, the State Labour Service, the National Mediation and Conciliation Service, employers, trade unions, MPs, as well as Ukrainian and international labour law experts.

“Transforming labour legislation and labour relations is a key priority for our Ministry and the Government as a whole. Labour law reform will foster the development of the labour market, strengthen the economy, improve Ukrainians’ quality of life, and bring us closer to EU law. This is a significant step towards European integration,” said Oleksii Sobolev, Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine.

Daria Marchak, Deputy Minister, will oversee labour relations regulation within the Ministry.

The Labour Code’s development involved extensive consultations with trade unions, businesses, and international partners to hear all perspectives and reach a common ground. Crucially, the new code was developed with adherence to social dialogue. Trade unions and employers’ organisations actively participated in the discussions. “These six consultation sessions were held under the ILO’s auspices in this format to ensure every party’s views were considered,” Daria Marchak emphasised.

At the final sixth meeting, participants addressed issues related to:

  • regulation of overtime work;
  • duration of working hours and rest periods;
  • European practices in regulating Labour Inspection activities;
  • powers and independence of labour inspectors;
  • compliance of specific draft Labour Code provisions with international standards.

Work on the new Labour Code draft has been ongoing for nearly two years. The draft will now be finalised for presentation to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

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