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  5. Lack of labor resources as a challenge for the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine

Almanac of law. Issue 15 (2024), pages 111–119.

DOI: 10.33663/2524-017X-2024-15-111-119

Epel O. V.
Lack of labor resources as a challenge for the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine

The article addresses the issue of labor resource shortage as a key challenge for Ukraine’s post-war recovery. The authors analyze the current situation in the labor market, which has been significantly impacted by the extensive destruction, population losses, and forced migration caused by the war. The study focuses on the quantitative and qualitative aspects of the problem, emphasizing the need to attract an additional 4.5 million people to the Ukrainian labor market over the next decade. This substantial influx of workers is expected to drive economic growth, expand production capacities, and accelerate the reconstruction of destroyed infrastructure. However, it also requires massive investments in human capital development, modernization of the education system, and vocational training to ensure that workers’ skills align with labor market demands. The authors highlight the unique characteristics of Ukraine’s post-war recovery, which distinguish it from the experiences of other countries. These include the unprecedented scale of destruction, the relatively high level of economic development and human capital, and the strong international support for Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts. The article provides an overview of the historical experiences of post-war reconstruction in other countries, such as Austria after World War I and Western Europe under the Marshall Plan after World War II. The authors emphasize that Ukraine’s recovery process will involve not only the reconstruction of basic infrastructure but also the modernization and reform of key economic sectors in line with global best practices. The study also addresses the challenges and opportunities associated with involving women in traditionally «male» occupations, given the gender disparities in the labor market and legislative restrictions on women’s employment in certain jobs. The authors discuss the positive aspects of overcoming gender stereotypes and providing equal opportunities for women, as well as the potential risks to women’s health and the need to ensure their protection from discrimination and exploitation. To tackle the labor shortage problem, the authors propose a comprehensive approach that includes developing a state strategy for the return of forced migrants and engaging the Ukrainian diaspora in the reconstruction process. They also emphasize the importance of aligning national programs with EU directives on labor legislation and social guarantees, reducing the gender pay gap, and regulating working conditions for those involved in the reconstruction of war-damaged objects. The article stresses the need to implement state programs promoting women’s employment, non-discrimination policies, and the expansion of women’s employment opportunities, particularly in physically demanding jobs. Furthermore, the authors highlight the importance of adapting veterans to civilian life, simplifying their retraining procedures, and facilitating their access to higher education. The implementation of an inclusion and barrier-free environment program is also identified as a crucial aspect of the recovery process. Finally, the article emphasizes the need to popularize vocational education among youth and women, encouraging them to pursue relevant specialties through competitive salaries and state-provided social guarantees, such as housing and access to childcare facilities. In conclusion, the authors argue that addressing the labor shortage is a critical priority for Ukraine’s postwar recovery, as the success of even the most ambitious reconstruction programs depends on the availability of a sufficient number of skilled workers. They call for a comprehensive state policy aimed at protecting women’s rights, ensuring decent working conditions, and creating opportunities for their self-realization. Only by transforming the challenges posed by the war into opportunities for building a more equitable and inclusive labor market can Ukraine achieve sustainable economic growth and development in the long term.

Key words: post-war recovery, labor resource shortage, labor market, gender disparities, labor migration, human capital, vocational education, labor rights, EU directives, social guarantees.

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Oksana Volodymyrivna Epel,
Senior Researcher
of the V. M. Koretsky Institute of State and Law, NAS of Ukraine,
Judge of the Sixth Administrative Court of Appeal,
Doctor of Law, Associate Professor
ORCID: 0000-0002-4400-7808

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