On December 27, 2012 Economic Court of Kyiv (Ukrainian capital) denied the claim of eviction of Mrs. Valentyna Korobka from the market “Vyrlutsya” where she worked for 15 years and where she conducts a rather active trade union activity as a Chairwoman of Free Trade Union of Entrepreneurs of Ukraine (FTUEU).

A conflict between the union leader Valentyna Korobka and the market administration where Valentyna worked lasted since September 2012. Mrs Korobka successfully organised a group of market vendors for negotiations with the administration to address the fixed rent issue and elimination of shadow trade around the market. After that meeting, Valentyna was threatened to not work at the above-mentioned market. Since that time in violation of the Article 206 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, there were many attempts to oppose Valentyna’s entrepreneurship and obstruction of her union activity started to take place regularly. Later, the administration, even without any fear of witnesses threatened Mrs. Korobka physically.

Valentyna was attacked and on October 5, 2012 she contacted the police. Fortunately on Dec. 27, 2012 the Economic Court made its verdict not to evict Mrs. Korobka from her working place at the market.

It should be noted that Mrs. Korobka’s victory was achieved due to her proactive position and big support of the union she chairs, Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Ukraine, Assemble of NGOs of Small and Medium businesses, the Movement “Free space” and others. Mrs. Valentyna Korobka is also grateful for the support in solidarity from StreetNet as it is recognised internationally and the whole Free Trade Union of Entrepreneurs of Ukraine.