Proposal to Draft Pensioners and Students for Labor Duty Draws Sharp Criticism

Consumer Advocate Oleg Popenko Criticizes Labor Duty Plan

According to ХВИЛЯ: Oleh Popenko, head of the Consumers of Utility Services Union, has voiced strong criticism of a proposal from the military administrations in Odesa and Kyiv to introduce mandatory labor duties for specific groups of citizens. He argued that compelling pensioners, students, and internally displaced persons to work on sites of destruction could be both dangerous and ineffective. This proposal emerges as Ukraine seeks to manage the immense task of rebuilding from wartime damage.

Popenko stressed that clearing rubble requires specialized training and strict safety protocols.

“Who at 70 years old is going to poke around in the rubble, moving bricks? She’ll get there, her blood pressure will spike, and an ambulance will take her to the hospital,” he remarked.

He also pointed out that the average age for men in Ukraine is 56, raising further questions about the practicality of a labor duty for people up to 70. Popenko emphasized the need for a systematic approach to any such initiative, suggesting it should involve:

• creating specialized registries;
• assessing physical fitness;
• assigning citizens roles based on their skills.

For instance, medical or engineering students could be far more useful in such situations if their expertise is properly utilized.

Popenko further noted that with emergency services like the State Emergency Service (SES) and police already operating at disaster sites, any new volunteers must be properly trained first.

“We’ve seen it: a perimeter is set up, the SES goes in, the police go in, they don’t even let journalists in. And we are told these people are supposed to come and clear things. Well, they probably need to be trained first,” he emphasized.

Therefore, Popenko’s criticism targets not only safety concerns but also the very rationale and likely effectiveness of the proposed labor duty, casting doubt on its implementation under current conditions.

This situation highlights the critical importance of safety and efficiency in reconstruction efforts, especially during wartime. Popenko’s objections reflect broader societal unease about mobilizing vulnerable groups for physically demanding work, which could pose significant health risks. Past crisis management experience underscores the necessity for a comprehensive approach that includes proper training and a realistic assessment of participants' capabilities.

As discussions around labor duties for vulnerable groups intensify, it's essential to consider the broader implications on social support systems. Recent decisions regarding the suspension of pensions for displaced individuals have raised significant concerns about the welfare of these citizens. For a deeper understanding of the factors influencing such policies, you can read more about the freezing of pensions for displaced Ukrainians.