The following statement was issued by French trade union federations CFDT, CGT, FO, CFE-CGC, CFTC, UNSA, Solidaires and FSU on 4 November 2026 (the day before a general strike about workers’ rights and social provision in France). For recent solidarity statements from UK unions see here, here and here.
November 4, 2026
Solidarity with the resistance of the workers of Ukraine!
Since February 24, 2022, Ukraine has been facing a large-scale war of aggression waged by Russia. As the conflict drags on, the pressures exerted by Donald Trump’s United States, in connivance with Vladimir Putin, raise fears of an imposed outcome for Ukraine, in disregard of the population’s right to decide its own future. At the same time, the country still lacks sufficient means of defence to protect its population and infrastructure.
The humanitarian situation remains particularly concerning. Russian bombings strike civilian infrastructure, schools, health facilities, and water, heating, and electricity supply networks on a daily basis. With winter approaching, this destruction directly threatens the living conditions of millions of people. Once again, the United Nations has warned of the urgency of mobilising additional international aid, particularly to meet the growing humanitarian needs in the Kyiv region.
The CFDT, the CGT, FO, the CFE-CGC, the CFTC, UNSA, SOLIDAIRES, and the FSU unambiguously condemn Russian imperialist aggression and any “negotiation” conducted in disregard of the will of the Ukrainian people.
We call for the continuation and strengthening of information and mobilisation actions in France regarding the situation in Ukraine and the consequences of this war for the Ukrainian population.
To this situation are added the threats weighing on social rights in Ukraine.
Alongside Ukrainian trade union organisations, we denounce the adoption, on October 12th, by the Rada, of the law on occupational health and safety, which carries serious regressions. This text marginalises the role of trade unions in the effective monitoring of occupational health and safety and in the prevention of occupational risks. At a time when a third of the country’s workforce is employed under dangerous working conditions aggravated by the war, the law weakens existing guarantees, notably compensation mechanisms, social benefits, and protection provisions for workers exposed to these risks.
Another major subject of concern is the governmental labour code reform project, whose examination is beginning in parliament, which risks increasing job insecurity for workers, weakening collective protections, and restricting trade union rights.
The CFDT, the CGT, FO, the CFE-CGC, the CFTC, UNSA, SOLIDAIRES, and the FSU reaffirm their solidarity with Ukrainian trade unionists who, while actively participating in the resistance against the Russian military occupation, continue to organise, defend workers’ rights, and voice their social demands despite the conditions imposed by the war.
International solidarity, the defence of trade union and social rights, and the pursuit of a just and lasting peace remain at the heart of our shared commitment.
Solidarity with the workers of Ukraine!
Russian troops out of Ukraine!
For a just and lasting peace and for social justice!
