Ukrainian official Terekhov has proposed a new framework to provide enhanced social guarantees for workers operating in close proximity to frontline areas. He emphasized the need for a revised calculation of insurance tenure, suggesting that one year of work in these high-risk regions should be credited as two years of insurance service.
Terekhov articulated this initiative as a necessary acknowledgment of the unique and perilous working conditions faced by individuals who continually operate under life-threatening circumstances. He highlighted the added physical and psychological burdens these workers endure compared to their counterparts in safer environments.
Support for legislative measures to grant a special status to frontline workers was also echoed by the head of the association. He called for comprehensive state guarantees that ensure life and health insurance for these individuals, along with assistance in cases of injury, disability, or death.
Additionally, Terekhov insisted that workers in frontline areas deserve further incentives, such as access to state-funded healthcare, psychological rehabilitation, and additional paid leave, as well as housing guarantees.
He argued that this status should extend to various professionals, including medical staff, utility workers, rescue personnel, public transport drivers, social workers, communication specialists, pharmacy and retail staff, educators, and other experts engaged in high-risk regions. The essential criterion, according to Terekhov, is actual employment under constant threat to life.
“Frontline cities, communities, and especially the workers there deserve the attention and effective action from the state,” he concluded.
