TRANSFORMATION OF THE PLACE AND ROLE OF TRADE UNIONS IN THE SYSTEM OF POLITICAL RELATIONS IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF UKRAINE

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to investigate the place and role of trade unions in the system of political relations in the context of the independence of Ukraine. The methodology of the research is based on the principles of objectivity, historicism, and consistency. The basis of the research is also the methods of anal- ysis, synthesis, comparison, formal logic, historical-problematic, historical-systemic and historical-chrono- logical. The scientific novelty lies in an attempt of comprehensively examining the change of the place and the role of trade unions in political relations in the context of the independence of Ukraine. The forms and directions of political participation of trade unions are analyzed, the factors limiting their political subjectivity and influence on the formation of the socio-economic policy of the state are determined. Conclusions. It was established that in the context of the independence of Ukraine, a significant transformation of the place androle of trade unions in the new system of political relations has occurred. Trade Unions tried to be mediators between the state, employers and employees. They represented the interests of workers in a tripartite social dialogue, participated in the development of the state social and economic policy, implemented legal exami-nation of draft laws, submitted their comments and suggestions to them, and opposed the government’s attack on labor rights. They tried to find a balance between political neutrality and active participation in social and political processes. In the conditions of martial law, the level of social dialogue decreased significantly.The authorities, with the aim of discrediting and reducing the role of the trade union movement in Ukraine, launched an attack on their rights. Therefore, changing the place and role of trade unions in the system ofpolitical relations of Ukraine is a long and unfinished process, which is directly dependent on the general levelof democratization of society, the development of social dialogue and the readiness of the state to recognize trade unions as an equal social partner.