Trade unions operate most effectively in a democratic society, where there is a free press and where unions can organise independently, without government interference.

Some trade unionists have to organise in conditions of repressive dictatorships and occupation or face imprisonment for their union activism. There are no independent trade unions in the Russian Federation or occupied parts of Ukraine.

Trade unionists everywhere should support the democratic conditions which allow trade unions to operate freely and effectively to represent our members.

In many countries workers are under attack from the far-right. Far-right political parties support Putin and other dictators. These parties, when in government, take away workers’ rights, restrict trade unions and end equality and diversity policies.

Working in wartime

Ukrainian workers perform the same jobs as workers in other countries, but they face extra difficulties because of bombing, power cuts and internet outages. Think about all the difficulties of your job. What would it be like in wartime?

In Ukraine some teachers are teaching children in underground classrooms, because of bombing in towns and cities near the front line. This harms children’s mental health and their ability to learn.

In Ukrainian universities the academic year has been re-organised to deliver more teaching in summer and less in winter when it is dark and very cold. Because of war conditions a lot of teaching has to be delivered remotely.

Engineers and building workers in Ukraine are regularly repairing buildings and equipment which have been destroyed in bombing raids. They do the repairs, knowing there will be more air-raids and they will need to do the repairs again.

Health workers are caring for patients in facilities damaged by bombing. In addition to their usual patients, they have many casualties and war-injured patients to treat.

Railway workers continue to operate the railways and postal workers to deliver post, despite the risks of bombing.

Rescue workers are particularly at risk. Often after the Russian armed forces have bombed an area, the bombers return to kill the rescue workers. This is a war crime.

Ukrainian trade unions still represent members

Despite war time conditions, trade unions in Ukraine continue to operate. They represent members, they negotiate where they can. They campaign against attempts to reduce workers’ legal rights. They still manage to hold meetings and conferences and operate as civil society organisations.

Rebuilding Ukraine after the war

When Ukraine is free from invasion and occupation, there will be much to rebuild. Ukrainian workers and their organisations will seek a post-war reconstruction, based on workers’ rights and climate justice. Ukrainians will need education, healthcare, housing, jobs and good public amenities. The energy and transport infrastructure will need repair. De-mining of land will be vital. International solidarity will be needed after the war ends.