Explore workers' rights and legal protections in Ukraine
In Ukraine, the termination of employment can occur under specific circumstances, as outlined by the Ukrainian Labour Code.
The lawful reasons for dismissal are categorized into those initiated by the employer and those initiated by the employee.
Employer-Initiated Dismissal
Employee-Initiated Dismissal
The required notice period for termination depends on the reason for dismissal:
There are some exceptions to these notice periods outlined in the Ukrainian Labour Code.
Ukrainian law mandates severance pay for employees in certain situations:
Ukraine's anti-discrimination framework, while still evolving, offers protection against discrimination on various grounds. The Constitution of Ukraine is the core legislation outlining anti-discrimination principles. Article 23 guarantees equal rights and opportunities for all citizens and prohibits discrimination based on several characteristics. Additional protected grounds are emerging through the Law of Ukraine "On Ensuring Equal Rights and Opportunities for Women and Men" (2005) and the Law of Ukraine "On the Principles of Prevention and Combating Discrimination in Ukraine" (2012).
The Law of Ukraine "On Ensuring Equal Rights and Opportunities for Women and Men" protects against gender discrimination. The Law of Ukraine "On the Principles of Prevention and Combating Discrimination in Ukraine" prohibits discrimination based on a broader range of characteristics, including but not limited to race and ethnicity, political beliefs, religion or creed, age, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity, and language. It's important to note that this law is still under development, and the final list of protected characteristics may be expanded in the future.
Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against can pursue various avenues for seeking redress. Many organizations have established internal mechanisms for handling discrimination complaints. Individuals can also apply to the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, an independent body that investigates complaints and can recommend corrective measures. Additionally, individuals have the right to file lawsuits against those who discriminated against them.
Employers in Ukraine have a responsibility to foster a discrimination-free workplace. This includes developing and implementing an anti-discrimination policy, providing training on anti-discrimination laws, recognizing discriminatory behavior, and appropriate reporting mechanisms. Employers are also responsible for creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, promoting equal opportunities for all employees regardless of their protected characteristics. They must take all reports of discrimination seriously, conducting impartial investigations, and taking appropriate disciplinary action if necessary.
Ukrainian labor law establishes guidelines to ensure a safe and balanced work environment for employees. This guide explores key aspects of working conditions in Ukraine, including work hours, rest periods, and ergonomic requirements.
The standard workweek in Ukraine is 40 hours, spread across five days with a maximum of eight hours per day. Night work (between 10 pm and 6 am) is regulated, with limitations on total night working hours and additional compensation requirements.
Ukrainian law mandates breaks and rest periods for employees to prevent fatigue and ensure well-being:
There are exceptions to these standard rest periods outlined in the Ukrainian Labour Code for specific industries or situations requiring continuous operations.
The Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers has established guidelines for ergonomic requirements in the workplace. These recommendations promote the design of workplaces and work processes that minimize physical strain and discomfort for employees. Key elements include:
While these ergonomic requirements are not strictly mandatory, employers are encouraged to implement them to create a healthier and more productive work environment.
Ensuring a safe and healthy work environment is a shared responsibility between employers and employees in Ukraine. The primary legal framework is established by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 2006 (OSHA). This guide explores the key regulations, outlining employer obligations, employee rights, and the enforcement bodies responsible for upholding these standards.
The OSHA places significant responsibility on employers to safeguard the well-being of their workforce. Some key obligations include:
Employees in Ukraine have the right to a safe and healthy workplace. OSHA empowers them with the following rights:
The Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine (MSPS) is the primary government body responsible for enforcing OSHA alongside the State Service for Labor at the MSPS (SSLU). These agencies conduct inspections, investigate complaints, and have the authority to issue fines for non-compliance.
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