To explain and advise: how labour inspectors in Volyn oblast helped employer and worker to “go to light”

As part of the State Labour Service's “Go to Light!” information campaign, labour inspectors visit employers and workers all around Ukraine to tell them when and how they should formalize their employment relationships, what social guarantees workers have, and what fines one will have to pay for a breach of legislation.

Raising awareness of employers and workers appeared to be effective, as more and more employers declare their workers.

Private entrepreneur Maria (name changed) opened a flower shop in Kovel recently. As she had no prior business experience, she did not know her obligation to formalize the employment relationship with the workers. Therefore, she hired shop assistants without concluding a labour contract.

One day, when the shop was visited by a labour inspector, Maria took fright. To her surprise, the inspector came not to inspect but to talk. He told her about the benefits of declaring work, provided information booklets, and answered her questions.

I’m mainly trading by myself, but sometimes I engage assistants. Following the inspector’s explanations, I decided to declare one worker. From now on, I can procure goods, go about my business, and not worry over trifles. In the future, I will be concluding labour contracts as well as approaching the SLS for advice as necessary, "

Maria says

Having signed the labour contract, Maria “killed two birds with one stone”: made her business life easier and gave more comfortable conditions to her employee. Despite not caring much about being declared at first, the worker later felt the difference.

The labour inspector told me that I would lose service record years without a labour contract, that I would have no leave, and that I would not get a sick leave in case of a disease. Therefore, I immediately agreed with the employer’s proposal to sign a labour contract. And I have no regrets about that. I have been declared, my wage is paid on time, and I am protected from an unlawful dismissal. No doubt, working on a declared basis is much better!"

the worker believes.

Read more about declared work benefits at the SLS website. If you need advice, approach a labour inspector.

The “Go to Light!” information campaign is supported by the EU-ILO Project “Towards safe, healthy and declared work in Ukraine”.

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