The New Labor Code Will Replace Soviet Norms: What Will Change for Employees

The New Labor Code Will Replace Soviet Norms: What Will Change for Employees

The Ukrainian parliament is preparing to adopt a new Labor Code that will replace the Labor Code of Laws, which has been in effect since 1971. The current Labor Code has long raised questions about its relevance and compliance with modern working conditions.

Chairman of the Financial Committee of the Verkhovna Rada, Danilo Hetmantsev, confirmed the preparation of the new Labor Code, aimed at updating labor relations in Ukraine. Currently, the existing Labor Code does not clarify how a civil law contract differs from an employment one, while providing responsibility for substituting labor relations with civil law ones. Ivanna Kovalchuk noted that this results in an 'almost absurd situation'-punishment is prescribed, but there is no clear understanding of what is actually prohibited.

Problems with the Current Legislation

Criticism of the current legislation also pertains to the difficulties faced by workers who have become victims of illegal dismissals. Vitaliy Sidorov emphasized that such cases arise because the law allows for various interpretations of norms, and not all people dismissed illegally are able to reach the courts. This indicates the need for updating legislation to protect workers' rights.

In addition, news has emerged about the dismissal of Tetiana Yatsula from the Main Department of the Pension Fund, which occurred after 17 years of work. The Ternopil District Administrative Court found Yatsula's dismissal illegal on November 11, 2025. This case also highlights the insufficient protection of workers within the current legislation.

Thus, the adoption of the new Labor Code may become an important step towards improving the legal regulation of labor relations in Ukraine; however, its effectiveness will depend on the clear definition of norms and mechanisms for protecting workers' rights.

In the context of the planned changes, the new Labor Code has the potential to address existing problems in labor legislation, particularly regarding the protection of workers' rights in cases of illegal dismissal and misunderstandings between labor and civil law contracts. The importance of these changes is underscored not only by criticism of the current legislation but also by real cases, such as that of Tetiana Yatsula, which illustrate the shortcomings of the existing system. The successful implementation of the new code could significantly improve working conditions and provide greater legal certainty for all participants in labor relations.