ITUC pledges to tackle workplace harassment

The International Trade Union Confederation reiterates its commitment to tackle violence and harassment in the workplace.

ITUC recently marked the fifth anniversary of the 2019 adoption of International Labour Organisation Convention no. 190 on violence and harassment in the world of work and Recommendation no. 206.

To commemorate the anniversary, the ITUC charged trade unions, employers and governments to uphold workplace rights.

It noted that these landmark legal instruments represent a historic moment in the global effort to ensure safe, dignified and respectful working conditions for all working people.

A report titled ‘Safe at Work? Global Experiences of Violence and Harassment,’ based on Lloyd’s Register Foundation’s World Risk Poll by Gallup, revealed that men globally are slightly more likely than women to report workplace violence and harassment (22 per cent vs 20 per cent), though the most vulnerable groups are primarily women.

Globally, 29 per cent of women with tertiary education report workplace violence and harassment, but in Nigeria, this figure is only 12.4 per cent. Conversely, 21.8 per cent of those with primary education in Nigeria report such experiences, compared to the global average of 15 per cent. This highlights a significant disparity in workplace violence and harassment experiences based on education levels in Nigeria.

According to the statement, C190 is the first international treaty to recognise the right of every person to a world of work free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence and harassment.

Meanwhile, it underscores the crucial role of a safe working environment in achieving equality, dignity and opportunities for all workers, regardless of their status or the sector they work in.

An end to violence and harassment in the world of work is also central to the ITUC’s campaign for democracy in the workplace, at both national and global levels.

“Over the past five years, there has been significant progress towards the implementation of C190. Many countries have taken steps to ratify and align their national laws and policies with the convention’s provisions, reflecting a growing recognition of the need to protect workers from violence and harassment,” it mentioned.

It stated that freedom of association and collective bargaining have been pivotal in implementing C190 provisions in workplaces. The ITUC report highlighted trade unions that have effectively campaigned and lobbied for these standards. Using C190 and R206, they have negotiated agreements, significantly reducing workplace violence and harassment.

However, it emphasised that there was much work to be done as violence and harassment at work persist and affect millions of workers worldwide, particularly women, migrants, and those in precarious employment.

ITUC General Secretary, Luc Triangle said, “The ITUC reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the full realisation of the principles enshrined in C190. We call upon all governments to ratify and implement the Convention without delay.

“We urge employers to adopt zero-tolerance policies towards violence and harassment and to foster a culture of respect and dignity in the workplace. The role of independent trade unions is indispensable in this. They must be empowered by democratic, trade unions rights in the workplace, to allow them to advocate for working environments that are safe, respectful and equitable.”

Triangle charged governments, employers, workers, and trade unions to build a future of work where every individual can thrive in an environment free from violence, and harassment.