Interaction between the ILO and Ukraine in the field of labour and labour relations

Abstract

In the context of profound socio-economic and security transformations, the issue of adapting the Ukrainian labour system to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards is becoming particularly relevant. The article aims to comprehensively assess the impact of ILO recommendations, technical support, and supervisory mechanisms on the reform of the employment sector, labour protection, and the protection of workers' rights in Ukraine, as well as on the improvement of state policy in line with the principles of decent work. The research methodology is based on systemic, comparative, legal, institutional, and analytical methods, which enabled a comprehensive study of international standards, regulations, ILO program documents, and their practical implementation in the Ukrainian context. The study shows that the ILO recommendations catalyzed updating the Ukrainian state's employment regulation approaches, in particular by reorienting policy towards active labour market programs, modernizing the employment service, and integrating the principles of decent work into strategic planning. The impact of ILO technical support on the institutional development of Ukraine through the modernization of labour inspection in accordance with Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81), the introduction of risk-based control, the development of training modules and advanced training for inspectors, the improvement of draft laws in the field of labor relations, as well as the strengthening of tripartite social dialogue, is specified. Key limitations in the implementation of international standards are identified, including institutional weaknesses in supervisory bodies, large-scale informal employment, increased risks of violations of workers' rights during the war period, fragmentation of rule-making processes, and insufficient integration of Ukrainian policy with ILO mechanisms. The practical significance of the study lies in the potential to apply the proposed areas of improvement in state labour policy to develop strategic documents, strengthen the regulatory and legal framework, and enhance Ukraine's institutional capacity in the post-war recovery and European integration.