Legal regulation of social dialogue in Ukraine: current challenges and prospects for improvement
Authors: Denіsyuk M. O. , Kovalenko R. I. 
Published: February 2025

The article comprehensively examines the legal regulation of social dialogue in Ukraine, analyzing its current state, challenges, and prospects for improvement in the context of modern socio-economic transformations. The research focuses on the complex interplay between historical developments and contemporary trends in social dialogue regulation, particularly emphasizing the challenges posed by the digitalization of labor relations and Ukraine’s European integration aspirations.
The study provides a detailed analysis of how the COVID-19 pandemic and Russian aggression have significantly impacted Ukraine’s labor market and social dialogue mechanisms. These extraordinary circumstances have exposed existing vulnerabilities in the system while simultaneously creating new challenges for worker representation and collective bargaining processes. The research particularly highlights the declining trade union membership and the emergence of precarious employment forms as critical factors undermining traditional negotiation processes.
Special attention is devoted to examining the legal framework’s adaptation to new forms of employment, especially in the digital economy sector. The article identifies significant gaps in the current regulatory framework regarding platform workers and those employed through algorithmic management systems, who often lack effective representation and protection mechanisms. This analysis is complemented by an assessment of recent legislative reforms aimed at harmonizing Ukrainian labor law with EU directives and international standards.
The research methodology combines historical analysis with contemporary legal and socio-economic perspectives, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing social dialogue in Ukraine. The study examines various stakeholders’ positions, including trade unions, employers’ organizations, and government bodies, providing a multi-faceted view of the current situation and potential solutions.
The article proposes a comprehensive set of measures to improve the legal regulation of social dialogue. These recommendations include modernizing the legislative framework to accommodate modern forms of employment, strengthening the institutional capacity of social partners, and developing social dialogue mechanisms at the local level within the context of decentralization. Particular emphasis is placed on the need to enhance data collection and analysis systems to better inform policy decisions and monitor the effectiveness of collective agreements.
The research findings suggest that effective legal regulation of social dialogue is crucial for ensuring social stability and economic development in Ukraine. The proposed improvements aim to create a more resilient and inclusive system of labor relations that can better protect workers’ rights while promoting economic growth. The article emphasizes the importance of these reforms in the context of Ukraine’s post-pandemic recovery and post-conflict reconstruction, highlighting social dialogue as a key mechanism for successful economic reconstruction and integration into the European socio-economic space.
The study contributes to the broader academic discourse on labor law reform and social dialogue in transitional economies, offering insights that may be valuable for other countries facing similar challenges. It concludes by emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that considers both immediate labor concerns and long-term structural reforms, ensuring that Ukraine’s social dialogue framework can effectively address current challenges while preparing for future developments in the world of work.