The Government approved a draft law that will regulate the status of employees of military administrations in localities. The document is awaiting registration in the Verkhovna Rada, as reported by Vitalii Bezgin, Minister for Communities, Territories and Internally Displaced Persons.

This applies to specialists who ensure the exercise of local self-government powers in military administrations, particularly in such areas as social protection, administrative services, and the functioning of municipal utility services.

Their legal status is currently not properly defined: neither are these employees classified as civil servants nor as local government officials. This creates uncertainty regarding remuneration, ranks, length of service, and other employment-related guarantees.

‘Employees of military administrations deserve to be granted a clear status and fair employment guarantees. We have to finally close this legal loophole,’ emphasised Vitalii Bezgin.

The draft law provides for the extension of legislation on service in local governments to employees of military administrations who perform the functions of local self-government. It is proposed that their posts be equated with the corresponding categories of posts in local councils.

The draft law also proposes that employment contracts be concluded directly with the military administration of the locality, rather than with the regional military administration or the General Staff. Local government officials will be able to transfer to military administrations with their posts and corresponding guarantees retained.

Certain provisions of the document relate to village, settlement, and city mayors, who are appointed as heads of military administrations.

The next step is for the draft law to be registered and considered by the Verkhovna Rada.