"We want change in our society"
An economic crisis felt across the world in 2008, has had a huge impact on the situation of young workers in the Ukraine. The stories of young workers interviewed by local members of the YCW in L'viv, show us that the official figures of unemployment cannot fully express the reality lived by the unemployed in their search for work. In addition, workers who were affected by precarious conditions in the workplace, hesitate to share their experiences for fear of losing their jobs.
"I work in a factory that makes electronics for mobile phones. The crisis has had a bad impact on us all. Many people were fired. In addition, many of my colleagues are now working without contract because of the crisis. Our salary has also been reduced and I only work three days a week. It is not enough"
- Ivan, 24 years, L'viv
Since 2005, the YCW (known as PHM in the Ukraine) has been working to collect the experiences of young unemployed, not only to learn more about their situations, but together with them, to take practical steps towards change. Our work in the Ukraine is continuing, and at this time of economic crisis, the working conditions of young people are increasingly precarious. For this reason, JOC Europe is taking time to invest in making more contact with young job seekers, and those in temporary and precarious work.
"My salary is very low. It means I have to rent a room which I share with two others. I can't rent a room for myself alone. In winter, it gets very cold. I was hospitalised twice because I became ill from the cold. With my salary I need to pay the rent and clothing for work, so I save by not buying much food. I know this is no good, because I don't get enough vitamins and I'm often getting sick" - Natalia, 26 years, L'viv
Anna, one of our newest members in the PHM Ukraine, has recently started to work full-time to help build the movement in the Ukraine. Anna has been busy collecting stories from young workers, who, like herself, have experienced the difficulties of unemployment and the uncertainty of work without a permanent contract. We recently interviewed Anna to know a little more about her experiences and those of others in the Ukraine.