A new Convention with a Recommendation has been adopted during the last International Labor Conference held in Geneva, Switzerland from 10-21 June 2019. This Convention is meant to combat Violence and Harassment at Workplace.

According to the final record votes, the Convention has been adopted with
439 votes in favor, 7 against and 30 abstentions. As for the Recommendation, 397 votes in favor, 12 votes against and 44 abstentions. 

Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary General and Guy Ryder, ILO Director General welcomed the adoption of the new Convention.

Regarding the new Convention, Ryder said that “The new standards recognize the right of everyone to a world of work free from 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. 

According to the report, this Convention applies to all sectors, whether private or public, both in the formal and informal economy, and whether in urban or rural areas.

This Convention applies to violence and harassment in the world of work occurring in the course of, linked with or arising out of work in places where the worker is paid, takes a rest break or a meal, or uses sanitary, washing and changing facilities; during work-related trips, travel, training, events or social activities…

“The next step is to put these protections into practice, so that we create a better, safer, decent, working environment for women and men” said Ryder.

In the enforcement of the standard, the report further says that each Member shall take appropriate measures to protect the privacy of those individuals involved and confidentiality, to the extent possible and as appropriate, and ensure that requirements for privacy and confidentiality are not misused;

As a Recommendation, the report says that Members should ensure that all workers and employers, including those in sectors, occupations and work arrangements that are more exposed to violence and harassment, fully enjoy freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining consistent with the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87), and the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98).

It is important to note that Conventions are legally binding international treaties that may be ratified by member States, while Recommendations serve as non-binding guidelines.

A delegation composed of the Deputies Secretary General Mr. Emmanuel Nzunda and Mr Valentine Udeh; the Treasurer General Mr. Ibrahim Abrar laid by the Secretary General Mr Arezki Mezhoud represented OATUU at the 108th ILC.

For More Information About the New Convention, Follow the Link: ILO