Upcoming Berlin conference to push for common labour safeguards in Ukraine recovery efforts

The upcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2024) slated for 11-12 June in Berlin aims to spearhead concerted efforts towards the swift recovery and sustainable reconstruction of Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale aggression against the nation. This annual high-level political event, dedicated to Ukraine's rehabilitation, will convene stakeholders from across the globe to mobilise continued international support for the country's recovery, reconstruction, reform, and modernisation.

Central to the discussions at URC2024 is the imperative for robust labour safeguards in the reconstruction process. The Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI) underscores several key challenges and objectives for the reconstruction of Ukraine, emphasising the necessity for universal labour clauses across all projects. These clauses are crucial for ensuring the presence of skilled workers and for mitigating potential hazards such as asbestos and silica resulting from explosions.

In a call to action, BWI urges representatives from states, international organisations, financial institutions, and businesses participating in the conference to endorse and adopt Common Labour Safeguards for all investments aimed at rebuilding Ukraine. These safeguards include:

• Ensure mandatory compliance with ILO Declaration on the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work: the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29), the Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105), the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87), the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98) the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155), and the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187).
• Demand that all infrastructure and construction project plans include implementation strategies which incorporate accessible trade union grievance mechanisms, that ensures prompt and effective redress, as well as reporting on decent work compliance, including decent working conditions, just wages and health and safety.
• Create a mechanism for joint labour inspections in collaboration with national agencies, international construction trade union and social partners to ensure the implementation of ILO Core Labour Standard at all level and phases, including the supply chain, of the construction and infrastructure activities.
• Warrant that all construction and infrastructure project funding and procurement includes a budget allocation for inspections, vocational training and occupational health and safety measures.
• Guarantee that future national policies and legislation protect workers’ rights and promote collective bargaining in line with the ILO Conventions and EU legislation to further facilitate the country’s aspirations to become a member of the EU.

The endorsement of these Common Labour Safeguards is seen as a significant step towards ensuring the protection and empowerment of workers involved in Ukraine's recovery efforts. Delegates are encouraged to review the full text of the safeguards to contribute to the collective commitment towards a sustainable and just reconstruction process.

Read the full text of the Common Labour Safeguards here.