Trade unions for equality [152]

Country/ Region	Ukraine
Project Period	2007-2009
Partners and target groups	Finnish Trade Union for the Public and Welfare Sectors (JHL) Ukrainian Basic Services Union (UPL)
Background and justification	The project is a continuation of UPL, JHL and SASK’s previous project which was realised in 2003-2004 within the framework of the TACIS programme. In that project 80 people received training in using participatory methods in adult education. These new study methods were adapted now for UPL basic organisations. The development goal of the new project is to increase the status of women in working life. This will be done through improving workers’, employers’ and family members’ awareness of gender-based inequalities and the concept of equality in legislation and daily life. 49% of basic service workers are female. Although Ukrainian women are on average better educated than men, they are more likely than men to end up in low-status and badly paid jobs. The fact that women have a weaker status than men in the workplace shows in e.g. the way that men are favoured for jobs and further education places. In downsizing situations women are the first to be fired, and they are often marginalised on grounds of both their age and family situation. Sexual harassment in the workplace in the service sector is common.
Objectives	Development aims: The project promotes the development of democracy and gender equality in Ukraine, the improvement of women’s social status, raising public awareness about equality issues in the workplace, an increase in awareness of men’s and women’s rights, and the creation of healthy working conditions for women. Project objectives: * awareness of gender equality in the workplace * removing obstacles to women’s professional advancement * taking account of women’s special needs in work protection * UPL operates on all levels in accordance with the gender equality programme * trade union activists defend equality and women’s rights in negotiations * the decrease in union membership will be halted and in some areas will increase Project results: * UPL has an equality programme * every regional organisation has at least two trained equality delegates * departments have quality material about equality at their disposal * equality committees have been established in 600 union branches * the number of new union members, especially young and female members, will grow * the union’s financial base will be solidified
Project activities	Training for union activists will be organised and equality councils will be established in the union’s basic departments through the project. Additionally, methodical literature will be developed and informative material on equality policy issues will be produced for all levels of the union. A competition for the best working conditions contract will also be arranged within the project to help solve equality-related problems in the workplace.