The society must condemn law violations – Oleksandr Vorobiov
Oleksandr Vorobiov is completing his studies for a master's degree at the "KROK" University of Economics and Law, specialising in marketing. In 2021, he created a series of posters about undeclared work and won third place at the Ukrainian Student Advertising Festival in the category "Go to light – declare work!" (supported by the ILO Project, funded by the EU). We asked Oleksandr to tell how he chose ideas and created his works.
It was the first time that I took part in the festival. I participated because only young people can convince their peers that the declared work is an important thing.
I'm tired of seeing slogans that address you but miss the target. Because they are written in a language that we, young people, do not understand.
I have an education in law. I understand the problem of undeclared work, and my attitude towards any violation of the law is extremely negative. Besides, I have some creative capabilities. That is why I tried to convey my beliefs to young people.
Choose the declared work
Life experiences inspired me. I committed the real situations to paper and sent them to the contest. I wanted people to recognise themselves and make the right decisions.
For example, the poster for entrepreneurs was inspired by international experience. I work for an IT start-up and communicate closely with colleagues from the United States and Western Europe. People there have a totally different social consciousness. If you break the law, you will not be respected, and nobody will even shake your hand. I would be happy if Ukrainians had the same consciousness, and tax evasion and other offences became taboo that society condemns.
By this poster, I address the students: if you studied well and are an asset in your job, you must be respected — an employment contract must be offered to you, as well as annual leave and sick leave. Working in the shadow, you will not have any of those.
Undeclared work is toxic because the employer and the workers mislead the state: employers do not declare their workers, and the workers do not inform the relevant authorities. As a result, workers suffer from wage arrears and overtime work without compensation and days off.
In this one, I showed my values and beliefs. I have never broken the law, and I do not want to work for an offender. We must build a transparent society together, rather than deceive each other and the state.
There is only one way to build a better future where the rule of law prevails — to start with yourself and your own company.
