Ukrainian workers protest against public sector reforms

About 1,000 workers held a rally in central Kiev Thursday demanding the government scrap the public sector reform plan which could lead to layoffs and a rise of retirement age.

The rally aims to force the government to abandon a labor code reform which will raise the retirement age in some professions that are classified as unhealthy.

"There are young people who now work for a small salary, hoping that they will retire at the age of 45 to 55 years, depending on the profession, but it would not happen if the labor code is approved," said Mykhailo Volynets, head of the Confederation of Free Trade Unions.

The protest, organized by the Confederation, was joined by workers from such sectors as transport, mining, medicine and education, as well as students.

Holding Ukrainian national flags and banners reading "Where is our salary," "No to job cuts," "New labor code is legalized slavery," the activists also asked the government to scrap plans on slashing jobs in the public sector and repay all delayed salaries.

The demonstrators gathered in front of the Ministry of Social Policy and moved towards the government building, blocking the traffic on Khreschchatyk, the central street of the Ukrainian capital.

According to its organizers, the demonstration was dedicated to the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, observed internationally on April 28, and the International Labor Day which is celebrated on May 1. Endi