The Trade Union of Railwaymen and Transport Construction Workers of Ukraine has submitted its proposals for the draft Budget Declaration of Ukraine for 2026–2028 to the The Joint Representative Body of Representative All-Ukrainian Trade Unions at the National Level:
- Taxes:
It has been proposed to reduce the military tax for those who receive the minimum wage or less. Today, more than 10,000 railway workers earn a salary at the minimum level or even below it, and from this amount, they must pay a higher tax. We consider this absolutely unfair.
- Minimum wage and subsistence minimum
It has been proposed to set the minimum wage at the level of the actual subsistence minimum, but not less than 50% of the average salary in the country. This would at least help people maintain their purchasing power in these difficult conditions and, to some extent, encourage workers to return to Ukraine.
It has been proposed to set the subsistence minimum at its actual level. Many payments – both state and under sectoral (territorial) agreements and collective bargaining agreements – depend on its size.
- Financial support for railway transport
It has been proposed to allocate expenditures for updating rolling stock for passenger transportation, as well as for the construction and reconstruction of infrastructure facilities. Article 10 of the Law of Ukraine “On Railway Transport” provides for funding for these purposes from the state budget; however, at present, these expenses are mainly covered by Ukrzaliznytsia itself.
It has been proposed to allocate expenditures for updating rolling stock for passenger transportation, as well as for the construction and reconstruction of infrastructure facilities. Article 10 of the Law of Ukraine “On Railway Transport” provides for funding for these purposes from the state budget; however, at present, these expenses are mainly covered by Ukrzaliznytsia itself.
It has been proposed to introduce a land tax exemption. Roads do not pay for land at all, while the railway pays more than UAH 4 billion annually. We propose to restore the exemption and provide for expenditures of UAH 1 billion annually.
- Compensation for the transportation of preferential passengers
It has been proposed to allocate a subsidy from the state budget to local budgets to compensate Ukrzaliznytsia for lost revenue from transporting preferential passenger categories. In 2024, only 32.8% of expenses in suburban transportation were reimbursed, while Ukrzaliznytsia covered the remaining costs independently and continues to finance evacuations from areas of active hostilities with its own funds.
