Ukraine is preparing large-scale changes to its labour laws. The draft of the new Labour Code provides for permission for video surveillance in workplaces, a new procedure for employee complaints and updated rules on minimum wages and holidays.
Key innovations in labour law
In the project of the new Labour Code an official allowing employers to video surveillance of employees, and control of their work-related correspondence. In addition, the procedure for filing complaints is changing: if an employee believes that his or her rights have been violated, he or she will be able to seek protection only through a trade union or directly in court. How reports Obozrevatel, The new rules may have a significant impact on labour relations in Ukraine.
Changes in the calculation of the minimum wage
An important aspect of the new draft law is minimum wage issues. The authors propose to link the minimum wage to the level of of the average salary in Ukraine, However, the exact percentage has not yet been determined - this will be decided by the Cabinet of Ministers. As of today the minimum salary is UAH 8,647, This equates to only 28.5% of the average. Experts estimate that to ensure a normal standard of living, this figure should be at least 40%, or more than UAH 12,000.
Holidays: more days for all, fewer for certain categories
Another key change will be Increase in annual basic leave for all employees to 28 calendar days. At the same time, it is proposed to reduce «social» leave for parents of children with disabilities: instead of 10 days a year, it will be 7 days, and if there are several grounds, from 17 to 10 days. Such innovations may affect the support of vulnerable categories of employees and cause debate among the public.
Why it matters
The implementation of the new Labour Code may significantly change the balance between the interests of employers and employees. Permitting video surveillance and monitoring of correspondence increases employers' responsibility for protecting personal data, but also raises questions about employee privacy.
Changes to the grievance mechanism may complicate the protection of labour rights, as employees will have to go only through a trade union or court, which may require additional resources and time. Revision of the rules on minimum wages and holidays will affect the level of social protection of citizens and may be the subject of widespread public debate.
