Decent Work Country Profile - Ukraine

Between 2000 and 2008, the Ukrainian economy grew on average by 6.9 per cent per year. This steady growth rate was achieved through reform measures and thanks to favourable trading terms and inflow of capital. The global crisis, however, put an end to this trend and left a series of problems, some of which were deeply rooted in the pre-crisis period: a crumbling infrastructure, insecure property rights, an ageing population and systemic corruption. While the initial signs of recovery are in sight, uncertainty and ambiguity remain omnipresent in the economy. Official labour market and social data do not provide adequate information regarding the degree of stress and decent work deficits that existed during the tumultuous period between 1990 and 1998, when Ukraine had become virtually a barter economy with wage arrears reaching alarming levels. The Decent Work Country Profile for Ukraine aims at critically assessing progress towards the achievement of decent work in Ukraine and at further informing social dialogue at the national level.