Kurepin Viacheslav, Candidate of Economic Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Vocational Training Methodology, Mykolaiv National Agrarian University, Mykolaiv, Ukraine

ORCID ID: 0000-0003-4383-6177

e-mail: kypins@ukr.net

Anna Sukhorukova, Candidate of Sciences in Public Administration, Associate Professor, Associate Professor of the Department of Management and Marketing, Mykolaiv National Agrarian University, Mykolaiv, Ukraine

ORCID ID: 0000-0002-6170-4955

e-mail: a.l.sukhorukova83@gmail.com

Features of Labor Relations in the agricultural Sector: Theoretical and Practical Perspectives

Abstract. Introduction. Agriculture is one of the key sectors of Ukraine’s national economy. It creates jobs in rural areas, ensures the country’s food security, and contributes significantly to the gross domestic product. However, labor relations in the agricultural sector have specific conditions determined by natural, climatic, and socioeconomic features. This article examines the specifics of the emergence, content, and implementation of labor relations in agriculture. It analyzes the features of the formation and implementation of labor relations in rural areas. The focus is on the specifics of labor regulation, official employment, and the social protection of employees in the agricultural sector, particularly in the context of seasonality and temporary employment. The article also discusses the specifics of concluding and fulfilling employment contracts in rural areas. Current Ukrainian labor legislation was analyzed, and the main problems with its application in the agricultural sector were identified. Considerable attention is given to analyzing legal gaps and problems with implementing labor rights in agriculture. Proposals are made to improve the regulation of labor relations in agriculture, considering the socio-economic conditions of the industry’s development. This study aims to provide a comprehensive theoretical and practical analysis of labor relations in agriculture, identifying their characteristics, legal support issues, and ways to enhance regulation while considering the needs of contemporary agricultural production.

Purpose. The study aims to conduct a comprehensive theoretical and practical analysis of labor relations in agriculture, identify their characteristics, and pinpoint current issues in labor regulation. The study also seeks to develop proposals to improve these issues in the context of modern socioeconomic transformations in agricultural production.

Conclusions. The theoretical and practical analysis revealed that labor relations in Ukrainian agriculture have several specific features. Seasonality of labor, a significant proportion of informal employment, low social protection for workers, limited infrastructure, and limited educational opportunities are the most notable features. An analysis of current legislation revealed legal mechanisms for formalizing labor relations; however, their practical implementation remains insufficient. Issues of particular relevance include ensuring the rights of seasonal and temporary workers, improving control over compliance with labor legislation, and creating conditions for legal employment. 

Key words: labor; labor relations; agriculture; seasonal work; employment contract; employment; legal regulation; agricultural sector; social protection.

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