The protection of migrant workers' rights and strengthening regional trade union cooperation were at the centre of the Regional Meeting for Eastern Europe and Central Asian countries, "Trade Unions for the Rights of Migrants", held on 3–4 September 2026 at the Labour Institute in Chisinau.

The event, organised by the International Labour Organization in cooperation with the National Trade Union Confederation of Moldova (CNSM) and the Labour Institute, brought together representatives of trade union organisations from nine countries. The maritime sector was represented by a delegation of the Marine Transport Workers' Trade Union of Ukraine.

Participants discussed the challenges of labour migration, the protection of migrant workers, and the role of Migrant Resource Centres (MRCs) in providing support and assistance.

The event was attended by Oliver Röpke, Director of the International Labour Organization's Bureau for Workers' Activities (ACTRAV), and Anton Leppik, Executive Secretary at the Pan-European Regional Council (PERC). Sergius Glovackas, ACTRAV-ILO Desk Officer for Central and Eastern Europe, moderated the session.

In his welcoming remarks, CNSM President Igor Zubcu noted that protecting the rights of migrant workers and ensuring decent work should become important priorities of social policy and social dialogue. He stressed the responsibility of the trade union movement to protect the rights and dignity of all workers, regardless of their citizenship, country of origin or migration status.

In turn, ACTRAV-ILO Director Oliver Röpke emphasised that protecting migrant workers is one of the key responsibilities of the trade union movement. Upholding their rights contributes to protecting wages and working conditions, as well as strengthening solidarity among all workers.

In this context, he highlighted the importance of Migrant Resource Centres, which can provide information, advice, support and representation, while also facilitating workers' access to protection mechanisms and trade union organisations. Oliver Röpke also called for stronger regional cooperation to ensure that workers are protected regardless of the country where they are recruited, work or return to.

Over the two days, participants discussed the experience and prospects for developing Migrant Resource Centres, trends and challenges in labour migration in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, international standards applicable to migrant workers, and opportunities to strengthen regional trade union cooperation.

MTWTU representatives shared their experience of working with seafarers — members of the Trade Union who, due to the nature of their profession, are migrant workers. Particular attention was paid to seafarers who have been forced by the war to remain in different countries. The Trade Union is working to create social conditions that will facilitate their return to Ukraine when it is safe to do so.

Migration remains a major global phenomenon. According to the latest estimates, there were around 304 million migrants worldwide in 2024. According to the International Labour Organization, in 2022, 167.7 million migrants were part of the labour force in destination countries, accounting for 4.7% of the global labour force.

These figures demonstrate the significant contribution of migrant workers to economies and labour markets worldwide, as well as the need to strengthen mechanisms for protecting their rights.