On today’s International Women’s Day, industriAll Europe joins the ETUC and the international trade union community to reinforce the call on Governments to ratify C190, the ILO convention against violence and harassment at work.

Progress has been slow: So far, only three states have ratified C190 and 34 (11 European) started the process. The convention represents a milestone, addressing violence and harassment in the world of work: behaviours, practices, or threats “that aim at, result in, or are likely to result in physical, psychological, sexual or economic harm”.

IndustriAll Europe also appeals to all employers and governments to pay increased attention to online harassment and bullying. While physical harassment may decrease when working remotely, other forms are on the rise. Technological means can hide bad intentions, greater distance can reduce scruples to cross the line.

Judith Kirton-Darling, Deputy General Secretary of industriAll Europe:

“It is so easy to harass someone online, prevent someone from logging into an online meeting or to “accidentally” mute them. This is just as unacceptable and stressful for the affected individuals as any other form of harassment.”

Luc Triangle, industriAll Europe's General Secretary:

"The ETUC survey demonstrates the dangers of online harassment that are associated with telework, particularly suffered by women. Our own campaign 'Telework: my right, my decision' highlights that teleworking, especially if it is imposed and not a choice, can led to an increase in domestic violence. This is a deplorable situation. Governments have a duty to ratify ILO convention 190 to protect women wherever they work, including at home." 

ETUC PANDEMIC SURVEY: Employers & governments not doing enough to tackle violence and harassment at work 

Contact: Andrea Husen-Bradley (press and communication), Maike Niggemann (policy adviser)