Online meeting with government officials: business security and labour relations

21/ 03/ 2025

On 20 March 2025, at the initiative of the Southern Ukrainian Office of the European Business Association (EBA), an online meeting was held under the Odesa Regional Military Administration’s “Dialogue Between Authorities and Business” format. The event focused on discussing the challenges entrepreneurs face during crises, particularly in emergencies and air raid alerts. The discussion brought together business representatives and government officials, including the Main Directorate of the National Police in Odesa Region, the State Emergency Service (SES) in Odesa Region, and the Southern Interregional Office of the State Labour Service (SLS). Key Topics of Discussion 1. Response to Bomb Threats Officials from the SES and National Police explained the procedures to follow upon receiving a bomb threat notification. They emphasized the importance of swift and well-organized responses, regular staff training on emergency protocols, clearly defined evacuation plans and designated safe gathering points. Valerii Shnurenko, Head of the EBA’s Corporate Security Working Group in Odesa, highlighted that bomb threats are a critical concern for businesses, as they directly affect both employee safety and operational stability. 2. Labour Relations During Air Raid Alerts Experts stressed the need for clear regulations on workplace procedures during air raid alerts. Discussions covered remote work options or ensuring safe working conditions, legal aspects of recording forced work stoppages, employer responsibilities in emergency situations. Representatives of the State Labour Service clarified that during emergencies, employers cannot compel employees to work without ensuring their safety. However, they also noted that the absence of standardized legal documents complicates the legal classification of such cases. Kateryna Morozova, Head of the Southern Ukrainian EBA Office, emphasized the significance of such meetings in today’s realities. She stated that open discussions help businesses adapt to challenges and ensure workplace safety. “Our goal is to support entrepreneurs in finding optimal solutions to minimize risks and maintain business stability.” Participants received practical recommendations on enhancing workplace security during crises. They also had the opportunity to ask experts questions and gain specialist consultations on pressing issues.

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The discussion brought together business representatives and government officials, including the Main Directorate of the National Police in Odesa Region, the State Emergency Service (SES) in Odesa Region, and the Southern Interregional Office of the State Labour Service (SLS).

Key Topics of Discussion

1. Response to Bomb Threats

Officials from the SES and National Police explained the procedures to follow upon receiving a bomb threat notification. They emphasized the importance of swift and well-organized responses, regular staff training on emergency protocols, clearly defined evacuation plans and designated safe gathering points. Valerii Shnurenko, Head of the EBA’s Corporate Security Working Group in Odesa, highlighted that bomb threats are a critical concern for businesses, as they directly affect both employee safety and operational stability.

2. Labour Relations During Air Raid Alerts

Experts stressed the need for clear regulations on workplace procedures during air raid alerts. Discussions covered remote work options or ensuring safe working conditions, legal aspects of recording forced work stoppages, employer responsibilities in emergency situations. Representatives of the State Labour Service clarified that during emergencies, employers cannot compel employees to work without ensuring their safety. However, they also noted that the absence of standardized legal documents complicates the legal classification of such cases.

Kateryna Morozova, Head of the Southern Ukrainian EBA Office, emphasized the significance of such meetings in today’s realities. She stated that open discussions help businesses adapt to challenges and ensure workplace safety. “Our goal is to support entrepreneurs in finding optimal solutions to minimize risks and maintain business stability.”

Participants received practical recommendations on enhancing workplace security during crises. They also had the opportunity to ask experts questions and gain specialist consultations on pressing issues.