Transformation in social standards in labor relations during martial law

Issue: № 9, 2025

Doi: https://doi.org/10.37634/efp.2025.9.6

The paper examines the transformation of social standards in labor relations in Ukraine under martial law conditions. It focuses on legislative changes introduced by the Law of Ukraine "On the Organization of Labor Relations under Martial Law" of March 15, 2022, No. 2136-IX, and its subsequent amendments, analyzing their impact on workers’ social guarantees. The study emphasizes how these measures adapt traditional labor protections to extraordinary wartime circumstances while preserving minimum social standards. Key aspects highlighted include flexible working arrangements, increased maximum weekly working hours up to 60 hours, reduction of minimum weekly rest to 24 hours, restrictions on annual leave, and simplified procedures for hiring and dismissal. The research also addresses the newly introduced institute of suspension of employment contracts, ensuring automatic restoration of labor relations, exchange of contact information between employers and employees, and clear rules for resuming work. Special attention is paid to protections for mobilized employees, guaranteeing retention of positions and state compensation. The paper further examines modifications in collective agreements, the limited role of trade unions, and state oversight mechanisms ensuring compliance with labor law. Findings demonstrate that these legislative adaptations ensured continuity of labor relations, safeguarded fundamental rights, and increased predictability for both employers and employees in wartime conditions. The study underscores the necessity of post-war legal regulation to restore comprehensive labor guarantees, strengthen social standards, and prepare adaptive frameworks for future emergencies. The results offer practical insights for scholars, legal practitioners, and policymakers regarding labor law resilience during national crises.

Keywords : law of Ukraine, social standards, labor relations, martial law, labor law, working time, social dialogue

References:

1. Labor Code of Ukraine. Approved by Law No. 322–VIII of December 10, 1971. Information of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. 1971. Supplement to No. 50. Art. 375 (in Ukrainian).

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