Solon: Protect workers from harassment, violence
RIZAL 4th District Representative Fidel Nograles has said he is optimistic that government offices, private businesses, and other places of work in the country would readily and widely adopt International Labour Organization Convention No. 190 (ILO C190) – the first international treaty on violence and harassment in the world of work – once the Philippine government ratifies it.
“Every worker, regardless of their employment status and sexual orientation and gender identity, has the right to be protected from violence and harassment in the workplace, including gender-based discrimination,” Nograles, chair of the House Committee on Labor and Employment, stressed.
“Every workplace should foster mutual respect and dignity of the human being. A workplace that does this will achieve maximum efficiency because happy and satisfied workers are productive workers, so we are very hopeful about the widespread adoption of this treaty,” Nograles added.
Nograles recently shepherded his committee’s adoption of resolutions calling for the immediate ratification by the Philippine government of ILO C190, which recognizes the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment and provides a common framework for action.
The treaty also provides the first international definition of violence and harassment in the world of work, including gender-based violence and harassment.
Notably, ILO C190 makes it clear that the world of work goes beyond the physical workplace and includes, for example, work-related communications, sanitary facilities, and the commute to and from work.
“Naniniwala tayo na bawat tao ay may karapatan na makapagtrabaho nang may dignidad at malaya sa karahasan. Kaya naman hindi rin tayo nag-atubili na pagtibayin at i-endorso ang mga resolusyon na inihain ng ating mga kasama sa Kamara na nanawagan sa ratification ng treaty na ito,” he said.
The lawmaker noted that workplace violence and harassment take many forms and often lead to physical, psychological, sexual, and economic harm.
“Iba’t-iba ang anyo ng workplace violence and harassment and its effects are far-reaching, often going beyond the workplace itself. Madalas ang epekto nito ay nararamdaman din ng mga pamilya ng mga mga biktima. Kaya naman mahalaga na ma-ratify sana ang treaty na ito sa lalong madaling panahon,” he said.
ILO C190 came into force on June 25, 2021, two years after it was adopted by the ILO’s International Labour Conference (ILC). A total of 22 countries have so far ratified the treaty.
