The bill aims to replace the Soviet-era regulations of 1971 with modern European standards
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has resubmitted the draft of the new Labor Code to the Verkhovna Rada. The document is designed to replace outdated 1971 legislation and adapt labor relations to modern economic requirements and European Union standards. This is reported by the portal PromPolitInform, citing information from the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine.
The development of the updated bill lasted nearly two years with the participation of the Ministry of Economy, trade unions, employers’ associations, and international experts. The initial version of the document was registered in parliament in January 2026, but it was later withdrawn due to a change in the government composition. The current version incorporates additional technical proposals from the International Labour Organization while maintaining key conceptual foundations.
Updating Labor Standards
The initiative provides for the implementation of more than 30 European directives governing the social sphere and labor relations. The new rules aim to simplify administrative procedures for employers, expand opportunities for flexible employment forms, and make the labor market more transparent. These changes are expected to contribute to the de-shadowing of the economy and increase the level of employee protection.
Among the innovations included in the code are the full digitalization of personnel records management and the introduction of new types of employment contracts. The document also introduces a risk-based approach to the activities of the labor inspectorate, new mechanisms for calculating the minimum wage, and stricter norms regarding the prevention of discrimination or mobbing.
Social Protection Mechanisms
The project also focuses on increasing the minimum duration of annual leave and improving tools for resolving labor disputes through the development of collective bargaining. Resubmitting the document allows parliament to resume consideration of the reform, which is a key component of Ukraine’s integration into the EU internal market and the creation of a favorable business climate.
Photo: Ministry of Economy of Ukraine
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