Public Holidays During Wartime May Return: What Draft Laws No. 14403 and 14403-1 Could Change

Ukraine may revise its approach to public holidays and working hours during martial law. Two draft laws — No. 14403 and No. 14403-1 — have already been registered in Parliament, proposing changes to labor regulations and leave policies.

The main proposal suggests partially restoring rules on public and non-working holidays, including shorter working days before holidays and counting such days toward annual leave. Special attention is given to military personnel, with provisions to compensate or add days spent on duty during holidays to their annual leave.

The alternative draft focuses on clarifying leave policies for service members, including defining valid grounds for leave and introducing the possibility of financial compensation.

However, analysts warn of potential risks, including legal uncertainty and increased pressure on the state budget. Whether these changes will be adopted remains a matter for parliamentary debate in the near future.