Trade unions in Ukraine are providing aid to people in desperate need - let’s give them our support

The Russian attacks on Ukraine has had a devastating effect on millions of people – leaving homes, workplaces and infrastructure severely damaged. 

In response, the Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine (FPSU) and Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Ukraine (KVPU) - representing nearly 5 million workers - have opened their doors across the country to all those desperately seeking refuge. 

This has been a crucial lifeline to so many Ukrainians.  

However, mounting requests for help has left aid resources running seriously low. 

We and other ETUC members have agreed to provide financial support for the humanitarian work of Ukrainian unions.  

Now we need your support. 

Stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine - and donate to the emergency fundraising appeal.

Donate now

Speaking at the virtual meeting of trade union leaders from across Europe, FPSU chair Grigori Osovyi said: 

“Our facilities were mothballed for the winter, but we opened them up because we needed to find room for people. They need rooms to have a bed, to have their meals. 

“We receive calls for all sorts of help and aid material. Those meagre funds we were able to collect within our solidarity fund to spend for strike actions and demonstrations, this money is not enough to respond to the request for help coming from all quarters.” 

“Members are continuing to go to work at key services like hospitals, transport, and power plants in spite of huge risk to their lives.” 

KPVU deputy chair Nataliya Levytska said: 

“I’m a mother, I’m terrified for my kids. For six days it’s been absolute nightmare.  

But we will not surrender, we will not give in. My son is 20 years old, and he did not flee Kyiv. He feels it is his duty. I’m afraid for him, I cannot sleep at night. Nobody can. I do not understand why our kids instead of going to school have to run to the bomb shelter. 

“We have snow today. Now we’ve got a cold spell and people are left without clothes, without food, without medicines and a huge problem for people who are insulin dependent. There is no insulin. People are dying because there’s no way they can get any medical aid in this war situation.” 

ETUC General Secretary Luca Visentini said: 

“War and its consequences always hit ordinary working people first and hardest and so it has proved again during this appalling, illegal invasion of Ukraine. 

“Ukrainian trade unions are doing everything they can to contribute to efforts to protect people, peace and democracy. 

“Solidarity is at the core of trade unionism and our brothers and sisters in Ukraine are showing that’s not just a slogan by putting their lives at risk every day to care for the most vulnerable victims of this invasion. We urge working people who can support their humanitarian efforts to do so.” 

You can donate to the solidarity fund below.

Donate now