ILO adopts new labour standard to combat workplace violence, harassment

By Tola Akinmutimi, in Abuja

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) on Friday adopted a new convention and accompanying recommendation to combat violence and harassment in the workplace to stem the tide of abuses against workers globally.

The new violence and harassment convention 2019 and violence and violence and harassment recommendation 2019 were adopted by delegates on the final day of the Centenary International Labour Conference (ILC), in Geneva.

While 439 delegates voted in favour of the Convention, and seven voted against it, with 30 abstentions, the recommendation was passed with 397 votes in favour, 12 votes against and 44 abstentions.

A press release issued by the global labour organization on the exercise stated that the convention recognized that violence and harassment in the world of work “can constitute a human rights violation or abuse…is a threat to equal opportunities, is unacceptable and incompatible with decent work.”

The Convention defines “violence and harassment” as behaviours, practices or threats “that aim at, result in, or are likely to result in physical, psychological, sexual or economic harm”, reminding member-states on their responsibility to promote a “general environment of zero tolerance”.

According to the release, the new international labour standard aims to protect workers and employees, irrespective of their contractual status, and includes persons in training, interns and apprentices, workers whose employment has been terminated, volunteers, job seekers and job applicants.

It also recognizes that “individuals exercising the authority, duties or responsibilities of an employer” can also be subjected to violence and harassment.

The standard covers violence and harassment occurring in the workplace; places where a worker is paid, takes a rest or meal break, or uses sanitary, washing or changing facilities; during work-related trips, travel, training, events or social activities; work-related communications (including through information and communication technologies), in employer-provided accommodation; and when commuting to and from work. It also recognizes that violence and harassment may involve third parties.

Commenting on the standard, the ILO Director General, Guy Ryder, said that “the new standards recognize the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment.”

Ryder welcomed the adoption, saying that “the new standards recognize the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment.

“The next step is to put these protections into practice, so that we create a better, safer, decent, working environment for women and men. I am sure that, given the co-operation and solidarity we have seen on this issue, and the public demand for action, we will see speedy and widespread ratifications and action to implement”, he added.

In his remarks, the Director of the ILO’s Workquality Department, Manuela Tomei, noted that “without respect, there is no dignity at work, and, without dignity, there is no social justice. This is the first time that a Convention and Recommendation on violence and harassment in the world of work have been adopted.

“We now have an agreed definition of violence and harassment. We know what needs to be done to prevent and address it, and by whom. We hope these new standards will lead us into the future of work we want to see”, Tomei added

The Convention will enter into force 12 months after two member States have ratified it. The Recommendation, which is not legally binding, provides guidelines on how the Convention could be applied.

This is the first new Convention agreed by the International Labour Conference since 2011, when the Domestic Workers Convention 2011 was adopted.

Conventions are legally binding international instruments, while Recommendations provide advice and guidance.