The Odesa Military Administration has announced the introduction of mandatory labor for residents aged 18 to 65 who are not subject to military conscription. This initiative aims to engage able-bodied individuals in socially beneficial work as part of efforts to address the consequences of ongoing military actions.
The directive, titled “On the Introduction of Mandatory Labor and Involvement of Able-Bodied Persons in Socially Useful Work During Martial Law in Odesa,” was signed by Acting Head of the Military Administration, Nadiya Zadorozhna. It references presidential decrees and laws related to the state of martial law in Ukraine.
Implementation of this labor requirement has been coordinated with the Southern Operational Command. The primary objective is to involve the local workforce in activities that are vital for community welfare and defense, particularly in response to emergencies and attacks.
The scope of work includes repair and restoration efforts for essential city infrastructure, construction of civil defense shelters, and creation of various protective engineering structures. Additional tasks encompass residential construction and repair, loading and unloading operations at transport hubs, distribution of humanitarian aid, and maintenance of public order.
Further responsibilities may involve agricultural work, assistance for individuals with disabilities, elderly citizens, and those in poor health, as well as firewood preparation for heating seasons, cleanup of illegal dumps, and management of waste disposal sites. The list also includes support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, such as producing sleeping bags and tactical gear.
According to the directive, work crews will consist of able-bodied individuals who are not subject to military service, including registered unemployed and other job seekers, such as internally displaced persons and war veterans.
The Odesa Employment Center is tasked with facilitating the involvement of unemployed individuals and those who are not registered as job seekers in these socially beneficial projects. Funding for these initiatives may come from various sources, including the state social insurance fund and charitable contributions.
Compensation for workers will align with their employment status, ensuring that salaries meet or exceed the average wage for their primary occupation. For other participants, remuneration will not fall below the minimum wage, contingent on the completion of assigned tasks.
Additionally, pensioners may participate in these activities, provided they consent and are medically cleared to do so.
Updated information from the Odesa Military Administration clarifies that these socially beneficial works represent a social service initiated in collaboration with the Employment Center. The goal is to expedite recovery from attacks, maintain infrastructure, and support community life. Payment for these tasks is reportedly higher than for traditional public works, with funding sourced from the unemployment insurance fund and other legal means.
Participation in these programs is voluntary and facilitated through the Employment Center based on contracts. Similar initiatives are already operational in other Ukrainian cities such as Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Mykolaiv.
The Odesa Military Administration has initiated mandatory labor for residents to address the impacts of ongoing military conflict. This program aims to engage the local workforce in essential community services and infrastructure recovery efforts.