About us

We work to strengthen trade unions, protect workers’ rights, and promote decent work in times of crisis.

Our work is rooted in the belief that solidarity, collective action, and strong institutions are essential for protecting people at work – especially in the context of war, displacement, and social uncertainty.

Who we are

The program is implemented by the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO) in partnership with Labor Initiatives, with funding from Norway and building on the long-term experience of the Solidarity Center.

Together, we combine international trade union expertise with strong local knowledge of labor relations in Ukraine.

Our mission

Our mission is to support workers and trade unions in defending labor rights, strengthening social dialogue, and ensuring access to decent, safe, and fair work.

We focus on practical solutions that respond to real challenges faced by workers during wartime – from job insecurity and weakened protections to reintegration after military service.

How we work

We work through partnership, education, and solidarity.

Our approach is based on:

strengthening trade union capacity and leadership;
supporting collective bargaining and social dialogue;
promoting international labor standards and best practices;
encouraging active membership and grassroots engagement;
adapting trade union work to crisis conditions, including digital tools and new forms of communication.

We believe that trade unions are strongest when they are accessible, transparent, and responsive to their members’ needs.

Why it matters

In times of war and crisis, workers face increased risks – economic, social, and personal. Strong trade unions and effective solidarity are key to ensuring that people are not left alone with these challenges.

This webpage is about real work, real people, and real support.

Building on solidarity

Labor Initiatives was founded and continues to be supported in partnership the Solidarity Center. We thank SC for their support and are grateful that longtime programing efforts launched by SC are now included in the “Trade Unions Fighting Inequality and Reconstructing Peace and Democracy in Ukraine” program and continued with support from LO Norway. These partnerships allow us to build and preserve our institutional capacity, legal services, and staff expertise, and provide these skills, knowledge, and programming to our Ukrainian partners.

The program “Trade Unions Fighting Inequality and Reconstructing Peace and Democracy in Ukraine” is implemented by the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO) in partnership with the NGO Labor Initiatives, with financial support from Norway.