Bill No. 14402 in Ukraine's Parliament
A new legislative proposal, registered in Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada as Bill No. 14402, seeks to prohibit employers from unilaterally reducing their employees' wages. This initiative would amend the country's Labor Code and the Law 'On Remuneration for Work'. The bill has been forwarded to the Committee on Social Policy and Veterans' Rights for review. This move comes amid ongoing economic challenges and aims to strengthen worker protections.
Key Provisions of the Proposed Law
The draft legislation stipulates that an employer cannot independently worsen the payment terms established in an employment contract. Any subsequent changes to legislation that might theoretically permit wage reductions would not serve as automatic grounds for a pay cut. An employer would be obligated to uphold the terms of the current contract until the employee formally agrees to new conditions.
The authors of the bill cite a precedent-setting ruling by Ukraine's Supreme Court dated May 5, 2025, as the basis for their initiative. The justification states that the enactment of a new law that worsens conditions can only be a reason to start negotiations with an employee, not a right for the employer to unilaterally 'slash' salaries. This could represent a significant step in protecting workers' rights and ensuring the stability of their financial situation.
The proposed changes could substantially impact labor relations in Ukraine, providing additional safeguards for workers in the context of economic shifts and potential crises. Support for this bill may indicate growing attention to labor rights issues, an important factor for social stability in the country. Implementing such initiatives could help build trust between employers and employees and prevent potential conflicts in the labor market.