РИНОК ПРАЦІ ДЕРЕВООБРОБНОЇ ПРОМИСЛОВОСТІ В УКРАЇНІ: ВИКЛИКИ ВОЄННОГО ЧАСУ ТА ШЛЯХИ ПОДОЛАННЯ

Abstract

This article conducts a comprehensive analysis of the labor market issues in the Ukrainian woodworking industry under the conditions of military conflict. The research is based on the systematization of available statistical data, observations of changes in economic and social processes in the industry, noting trends in employment and wages over the past six years. The identified labor market problems and challenges are thoroughly analyzed to develop strategic recommendations for overcoming the crisis consequences, restoring, and further developing the industry. The main task of the research is to systematize and analyze the dynamics of employment and wages in the woodworking industry from 2017 to 2022, as well as to identify the main challenges that have arisen for the industry due to the war. Special attention is paid to the personnel crisis, loss of logistics, problems with access to raw materials, and loss of customer base. The purpose of the article is a comprehensive review of the current state of the labor market in the Ukrainian woodworking industry and an analysis of various aspects of the labor market, namely employment, wages, and working conditions, to identify the main trends, challenges, and opportunities affecting the development of the Ukrainian woodworking industry. As a result of the research, it was found that after positive trends in employment growth in 2017–2019, there was a decrease in 2020, caused by the global pandemic. However, in 2021 the industry showed signs of recovery, which continued into 2022. Despite this, the war caused massive job losses, a personnel crisis, and a decrease in production activity. The main results of the research show that the average wage in the industry demonstrated steady growth from 2017 to 2022, indicating the efforts of employers to increase the competitiveness of the labor market. However, the war has made adjustments, and today the labor market experiences a shortage of skilled workers, requiring immediate action. The conclusions of the research emphasize the necessity of comprehensive state support for the woodworking industry, which should include financial assistance, reduction of tax burden, stimulation of investments, development of new markets, modernization of technology, and innovation. Attention is also focused on the importance of developing special programs to support employment and retraining of workers, as well as on the need to ensure the safety of workers and protect enterprises from hostile actions.