Ukrainian Unions Seek to Block Business Loopholes in New Law

In Ukraine, ICEM affiliates are seeking to block a section of labour reform currently in the country's legislative assembly, the Rada. The specific section is Chapter 3, Book 4 of the draft labour code, which would grant loopholes to small businesses regarding union membership. Such an exclusion would not only run counter to ILO Conventions, but also infringe on Ukraine's Constitution and existing law. To exclude this particular section, ICEM affiliates and labour activists are encouraged to write to Volodymyr Lytvyn, chairman of the Rada, at fax +38 044 255 41 70, or Yuriy Yekhanurov, chairman of the Industry Policy Committee, at fax +38 044 255 2495.