On May 21, the 9th Congress of the Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine, the country’s largest trade union association, was held in Kyiv. The forum brought together 380 delegates, as well as representatives of government authorities, international organizations, the civil sector, trade union associations, veterans, and combatants. It should be noted that, for the first time in the entire history of FPU Congresses, representatives of state authorities and international institutions were invited to participate in the forum. In today’s context, this reflects the strengthening of social dialogue and international support for Ukraine’s trade union movement.

One of the key events of the Congress was the election of a new Chair of the Federation of Trade Unions. As a result of the open vote, this position was assumed by Serhii Byzov, Chairman of the All-Ukrainian Trade Union of Defenders of Ukraine.

The All-Ukrainian Trade Union of Defenders of Ukraine was represented by eight delegates at the Congress. The Trade Union’s participation in the work of the country’s highest trade union assembly confirmed its active stance in protecting the labor, social, and professional rights of workers under wartime conditions.

During his speech, Serhii Byzov emphasized that the main priority of the Federation of Trade Unions’ further work should remain the unity of the trade union movement and the consolidation of efforts to protect working people.
“Our main task is to preserve the unity of trade unions. Only through joint decisions, joint actions, and mutual support will we be able to effectively protect workers’ rights and strengthen the role of the trade union movement in Ukraine,” noted the newly elected Chair of the FPU.

As a result of their work, the delegates approved the Strategy of the Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine for 2026–2031, which provides for strengthening the role of trade unions in protecting workers’ rights and developing social partnership in Ukraine. A separate strategic objective of the Strategy is veteran integration through employment, namely the creation of an inclusive and barrier-free working environment for the professional reintegration of veterans through the introduction of special working conditions, reasonable workplace accommodations, the provision of systematic psychosocial support, and ensuring trade union protection against discrimination in the workplace.
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