Be like we are in the European Parliament

Be like we are in the European Parliament

Oksana Slobodiana

On March 26, Oksana Slobodiana, president of the medical movement Be like we are, spoke at the European Parliament as part of the In Solidarity with Ukraine event.

She presented the position of Ukrainian healthcare workers, called for solidarity with Ukraine, and emphasized the importance of the European experience for trade union struggle and improving working conditions in Ukraine. The role of women in supporting and rebuilding Ukraine was also discussed.

“Dear meeting participants, colleagues, and partners! I have the honour to present to you a brief overview of the labor rights situation in Ukraine through the prism of the experience of our organization, the Be like we are medical movement. We work in the field of protecting the labor rights of healthcare professionals, and therefore face many challenges in this area every day,” said Oksana Slobodiana.

According to her, the situation has become considerably more complicated due to the war and economic instability. Medical workers, especially nurses, have faced the following problems:

• Many social and health workers work in stressful conditions with increased risks (especially those who remained in the war zone);
• Low level of wages and social security benefits; delays in salary payments due to financial difficulties and unstable financing;
• Overwork of staff, which leads to burnout and psychological problems for health professionals.

"And the most painful thing is that healthcare reform began in Ukraine even before the war. Since then, medical institutions have been closing, hospitals have been optimized and merged. This has had a significant impact on healthcare workers, who are losing their jobs. This process didn't stop during the war. The situation has worsened considerably: many medical facilities were closed as a result of shelling and artillery fire. Job losses, occupation, mass migration, and layoffs are not the only problems we are facing today," she said.

Oksana Slobodiana emphasized that Be like we are is actively engaged in protecting the labor rights of healthcare professionals and calls for the creation of unions in the field.

"We explain that this is an important tool for protecting labor rights. It not only helps ensure decent working conditions, but also improves the healthcare system as a whole. The joint efforts of trade unions, healthcare workers, and the state are the key to the efficient operation of healthcare facilities and preserving the nation's health," Oksana Slobodiana emphasizes.

Despite these positive developments, much remains to be done, such as strengthening enforcement of labor rights and improving social protection.

Cooperation with international partners plays a key role in improving the situation. We call for joint action to protect labor rights and create fair working conditions for all, she said.

March 26, 2025