Civic organizations in the Luhansk region say that all the founders of new trade unions in their region have been subjected to harassment by their employers. This is reflected for example in threats, unwarranted disciplinary penalties or dismissals.

This is one of the findings in a study carried out as part of a project enttilted Information Campaign in Defence of Freedom of Association at Privatized and Privately-owned Enterprises in the Luhansk Oblast.

According to the women’s human rights organization Chaika, more than 90% of the heads of new trade unions have been dismissed.
Difficulties begin during registration of new trade unions. According to the authors of the study, all local legal departments, especially in Alchevsk, have dragged out the process of registering new organizations.

Nor do the majority of enterprises provide trade unions with premises, a telephone and other necessary equipment.