The Republic of Moldova hosted a seminar on the exchange of experience in the social protection of migrant workers, organized by the National Trade Union Confederation of Moldova with the support of the International Labour Organization.
Trade union activists from Ukraine, Moldova, and Tajikistan discussed the current challenges and shared their experience in addressing social problems that resulted from Russia's military aggression against Ukraine.
The discussion raised important issues related to the protection of migrant workers, ratification and implementation of the ILO convention, and the roles of trade unions and social partners in supporting migrants.
Currently, thousands of Ukrainians seek jobs far beyond the borders of our country. The employment issue has become very acute for the governments of European countries, including Moldova. Although most Ukrainian citizens have moved to friendly Poland, Moldova is the leader in Europe in the number of refugees per capita.
Sergejus Glovackas, ILO-ACTRAV Desk Officer for Europe and Central Asia, emphasized that the event was organized, among other things, to promote international standards that help support migrant workers and integrate them into the labour market.
The MTWTU representatives spoke about the challenges faced by Ukrainian seafarers and port workers, as well as the assistance and projects organized for them by the Union and international partners. Thus, from the beginning of March last year, from the first days of the war, the MTWTU organized the evacuation of seafarers' families to the border of the Republic of Moldova. In addition, the MTWTU, with the support of the International Labour Organization, provided free accommodation with meals at the Izmail International Seamen's Club for internally displaced persons from the regions affected by the hostilities.
