Time to eliminate violence and harassment in the workplace

It is disconcerting that, even in this modern era, violence and harassment persist in the workplace, particularly affecting migrant workers who are often left helpless and lack legal protection.

Recognizing this ongoing worldwide challenge, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has established new global standards aimed at ending violence and harassment in the world of work through ILO Convention No. 190 (C190). This international treaty is the first to “recognize the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence and harassment.”

Adopted in June 2019 by the International Labour Conference of the ILO and in force since June 25, 2021, C190 mandates governments to establish laws and policy measures preventing and addressing workplace violence and harassment. It represents a historic opportunity to shape a future of work based on dignity and respect for all.

The ILO is now leading a global campaign to garner more support for C190, encouraging constituents, stakeholders, and civil society actors to participate. The ultimate goal is widespread ratification and implementation by national governments and legislative assemblies worldwide.

This goal became a reality in our country when, on Dec. 11, 2023, the Senate concurred with the Philippines’ ratification of ILO C190, voting 20-0-0 in favor of Proposed Senate Resolution No. 877.

Sen. Imee Marcos, chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, emphasized that C190 covers all aspects of work, providing protection in the public or private sector, regardless of workplace or employment status, including individuals in training, interns, apprentices, volunteers, and job applicants.

C190, according to the senator, will immensely benefit overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who may be unsure how to hold abusive employers accountable or fear retaliation when reporting to authorities.

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, co-sponsor of the resolution, said, “Harmonizing our local legislation with our obligations under ILO C190 is a step toward realizing the world we envision — a world where everyone can contribute and thrive without the fear of violence or harassment; a world where dignity reigns supreme.”

The World Risk Poll reported in 2021 that “at least 60 percent of workers in the Philippines have experienced violence and harassment in the workplace.” For female victims, “13 percent faced sexual harassment, nine percent experienced psychological and physical harassment, and 12 percent endured all three forms of harassment.”

Now, with the support of a “stronger” and more “universal” law, the hope is that the work landscape will drastically improve, making the alarming statistics revealed by the World Risk Poll a thing of the past. More than that, it should also compel organizations in both the public and private sectors to set up mechanisms and comprehensive policies to eradicate workplace violence and harassment.

All stakeholders — from management to new hires — must be aware that the workplace they are entering will not tolerate any inappropriate behavior. Management should have a clear, unbiased, and transparent way to resolve issues, with appropriate punishments for the perpetrators. The culture of violence and harassment must stop once and for all, and it can start today in your workplace.

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