Ukraine: trade unions providing humanitarian aid to people in Ukraine

Ukraine’s largest trade union body, the Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine (FPU) and the Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Ukraine (KVPU, affiliated with the International Trade Union Confederation), which together represent nearly 5 million workers, have opened their doors to receive people in need of shelter and provide them with food. “We are receiving all kinds of calls for aid and materials. The meagre funds we have been able to muster come from our solidarity funds that are normally used to support our strike actions and demonstrations. However it isn’t enough to meet the demands that are coming in from all over the place,” FPU President Gregori Osovyi lamented at a virtual meeting organized in the week 28 February by the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and its affiliates, and which was attended by 180 trade union leaders from across Europe. Following the conference, the ETUC Executive Committee decided to set up a solidarity fund to help the local unions. In addition, ETUC members in Ukraine’s neighbouring countries mobilized their members to find housing and collect food for refugees. “Ukrainian unions are doing everything they can to contribute to efforts to protect people, peace and democracy. The ETUC is committed to providing all possible practical and political support,” stated the ETUC General Secretary, Luca Visentini.