Recently, to mark the International Day of Older Persons, Metinvest Iron Ore Works held a ceremonial event dedicated to the company’s retirees – honouring labour and family dynasties.
During the meeting, the heads and representatives of labour families were acknowledged. Mykhailo Tsurkan, Head of Metinvest’s Trade Union Relations Division, delivered a welcome address. He expressed his gratitude to the guests for their contribution to the development of the enterprises and their support for the country.
"Despite the challenges of wartime, Metinvest continues to provide support to pensioners. In this challenging period for the country, you demonstrate remarkable energy and patriotism, making your own contribution to our shared struggle against the enemy. Active citizens and tireless volunteers who address the critical needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Your skilled hands, which served the plants for many years, are now helping to save the lives of defenders on the front line. You are our pride and a role model to follow. Wishing you many years of life, more joyful smiles, and unwavering faith in a brighter future. Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do for the company and for Ukraine," said Mykhailo TSURKAN.
Words of gratitude were also expressed by Oleksandr SHULIKA, Head of Human Resources at Metinvest Iron Ore: "Labour dynasties are the true superpower of our enterprises. Their example is both impressive and inspiring. Nearly five hundred labour and family dynasties have been established at Metinvest Consolidated Iron Ore. Some of these dynasties have a combined length of service exceeding 1,000 years! Behind each of them lies many years of dedicated service, and every one of them has a story worth telling. This is, without exaggeration, our golden pool. It is within such families that respect for labour, appreciation for skilled professionals, and reverence for their experience are cultivated. It is in them that a true love for the profession is born."
The history of nearly every dynasty is closely intertwined with key milestones in the enterprises’ development. Among them is the Bytsiuk family. Its head, Viktor Bytsiuk, dedicated 46 years to Northern Iron Ore. He witnessed the growth and expansion of the Pershotravnevyi open-pit mine, the evolution of equipment, and the professional development of the teams. The Bytsiuk family has a combined length of service totalling 391 years, and its younger members continue to work at Northern Iron Ore to this day.
Among the families of Central Iron Ore is the Hordiienko family, whose combined length of service amounts to 100 years. The head of the dynasty is Eduard Hordiienko. Among the labour families of Inhulets, the Ignatchenko family was represented at the celebration, with a combined length of service reaching 358 years.
The celebration was accompanied by vibrant performances from creative groups and ensembles. The guests were entertained with a quiz. Together, we recalled the founding dates of the plants, the days when the first tonnes of production were released, the names of the first directors, the companies’ newspapers, and other landmark dates significant to the Iron Ore Works.
"The company’s greatest asset is its people, and the presence of labour and family dynasties is the clearest testament to the enterprise’s stability and ongoing development. After all, it is only in this way that the bond between generations is strengthened and traditions are preserved. Despite challenging times, the plants continue to operate, traditions remain alive and are carried forward, and young professionals are joining, mastering new technologies. Our pensioners tirelessly support our guys on the front line, regularly weaving camouflage nets as part of a coordinated effort. Such gatherings unite generations, creating a symbolic timeline and strengthening faith in the future – with a prayer in the heart for Ukraine and its children," emphasised Tetiana SHELUDKO, Head of Metinvest Iron Ore Pensioners’ Council.
