 |
Victor TrifonovMiner, activist of the Ukrainian labor movement
Date of Birth: 25.02.1956
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
- Victor Trifonov: A Symbol of Labor Rights in Ukraine
- Activism and Union Leadership
- Political Engagement
- Advocacy for Workers' Rights
- Protest and Attempted Self-Immolation
- Hospitalization and Recovery
Victor Trifonov: A Symbol of Labor Rights in Ukraine
Early Life and CareerVictor Trifonov was born in Myrnohrad, Ukraine, on February 26, 1956. After completing his education, he worked as a mining machine operator at the A. Stakhanov mine. In 2003, he transferred to the Novohradivska mine, where he founded a branch of the Independent Miners' Union of Ukraine.
Activism and Union Leadership
In 2007, Trifonov became the head of the union's organization. He suffered an injury that prevented him from continuing work in his field. Despite this, he was elected as the chairman of the union's local organization in 2012.
Political Engagement
Trifonov became a member of the Myrnohrad city council in 2012. He has also served as a self-nominated candidate in parliamentary elections and was elected as a councilor from the Batkivshchyna party in 2015.
Advocacy for Workers' Rights
Trifonov has been an outspoken critic of the government's handling of the fuel and energy sector. He has also been instrumental in advocating for the release of miners held captive by separatists in Eastern Ukraine.
Protest and Attempted Self-Immolation
In 2016, Trifonov joined other miners in a hunger strike at the Ministry of Energy and Coal Industry. On August 9, he attempted to set himself on fire during a press conference, demanding the payment of unpaid wages. He sustained severe burns to his face, neck, and chest.
Hospitalization and Recovery
After his attempted self-immolation, Trifonov was taken to the Darnitsky Burn Center. He received burns covering 12% of his skin, including 20% of his eyes. He was listed in a serious but stable condition.
