ILO, Ukraine Launches New Labour Recovery Plan Through 2029

Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture Dariia Marchak said a strong labour market is essential for Ukraine’s economic recovery and future competitiveness.

Ukraine has launched a new four-year labour and employment strategy aimed at supporting the country's recovery from war while strengthening worker protections, skills development, and job creation. The International Labour Organization (ILO), the Government of Ukraine, and representatives of employers and workers signed the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) 2026–2029 during the International Labour Conference in Geneva. The agreement marks the first programme of its kind for Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion and sets out a shared framework for rebuilding the country's labour market. The initiative follows the implementation of the ILO's Transitional Cooperation Strategy for Ukraine and is expected to guide cooperation between the organisation and its Ukrainian partners through the end of the decade.

Labour shortages and skills gaps remain major challenges

Ukraine continues to face significant workforce pressures caused by the ongoing war. Labour shortages, worker displacement, skills mismatches, and rising social vulnerabilities have affected businesses, employees, and communities across the country. Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture Dariia Marchak said a strong labour market is essential for Ukraine's economic recovery and future competitiveness. She noted that the programme will help address workforce shortages, strengthen skills development, and create more opportunities for quality employment.

One of the programme's main priorities focuses on improving labour market governance through stronger social dialogue, collective bargaining, and reforms aligned with international labour standards and European Union requirements. The plan also seeks to expand the role of employers' and workers' organisations in shaping recovery efforts.

Focus on worker rights, social protection and business growth

The programme's second priority centres on labour rights and social protection. Efforts will include promoting safer workplaces, improving working conditions, and expanding access to employment and social support for people affected by the war. Gender equality will also remain a key focus throughout implementation. The third pillar aims to create more decent jobs by investing in vocational training, apprenticeships, entrepreneurship, and workforce development. Support for micro, small, and medium-sized businesses is expected to play a major role in helping local economies recover and grow. Representatives from both employer and worker organisations welcomed the agreement. Employers highlighted the need for skilled workers and business-friendly policies to drive economic recovery, while trade unions stressed the importance of protecting labour rights and ensuring safe working conditions during reconstruction.

ILO Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia Peter van Rooij described the programme as an important step in supporting Ukraine's recovery. He said the initiative will help advance decent work, strengthen social dialogue, and promote cooperation between government, employers, and workers. The programme will remain in place until 2029, supporting Ukraine's efforts to achieve inclusive economic growth, social justice, and closer integration with the European Union.