28 Days of Vacation and New Work Rules: How a Major Labor Reform Will Change the Lives of Ukrainians
12 January 17:31
Ukraine is preparing for one of the most sweeping reforms of labor legislation since the country gained independence. The draft of the new Labor Code, approved by the government on January 7, 2026, codifies modern forms of employment and significantly expands social guarantees for workers—in particular, it increases the duration of annual paid leave to 28 days.
Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture Daria Marchak discussed the document’s key innovations during the “Yedyni Novyny” telethon, reports "Komersant Ukrainian".
One of the fundamental innovations is the expansion of the types of employment contracts. Their number increases from six to nine. According to Marchak, this should make labor relations more flexible and better adapted to the real conditions of the labor market.
The code also formally establishes modern work formats: remote work, work-from-home, and work with flexible hours. Remote work, the ministry emphasizes, becomes a fully-fledged separate type of employment contract—with clear agreement between the employee and employer and the terms set forth in the contract.
The document also allows for hybrid employment models. For example, an employee may work in the office for a few days a week and remotely for the rest. Such arrangements must also be formally documented.
Protection for Vulnerable Groups
The draft Labor Code defines situations where remote work will take priority. This applies, in particular, to pregnant women, parents of children under 18 months of age, or children with disabilities.
A separate provision addresses protection against bullying and discrimination. In such cases, an employee may be temporarily transferred to remote work—as a protective measure—while the situation is being reviewed.
Another fundamental change is the repeal of a number of outdated restrictions which, according to the government, do not correspond to modern realities and are often discriminatory in nature.
As an example, Marchak cited the current ban on night work for women with children under three years of age. As a result, for instance, midwives with young children are formally prohibited from working night shifts. The new code proposes lifting such restrictions, giving employees greater freedom of choice.
28 days of vacation—a step toward the EU
One of the most significant changes for employees could be an increase in annual paid leave. Currently, the law guarantees 24 calendar days, while 28 days is the standard in EU countries.
The draft Labor Code provides for exactly this provision, adding four additional days of vacation per year. The ministry emphasizes that this is not only a social guarantee but also an important step toward European integration.
Once the new code takes effect, there will be no need to renegotiate existing employment contracts. At the same time, employers who have not yet properly formalized their employment relationships will have one year to do so in written or electronic form.
The draft Labor Code still needs to undergo parliamentary review, be adopted by the Verkhovna Rada, and signed by the President. Only then will the document come into force.
