Congress joins with the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) calling on all governments and employers to back a strong and inclusive international labour standard on violence and harassment in the world of work.
The call comes on the UN's International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, which takes place on 25 November every year.
"We know that some EU governments are looking to water down text that was agreed this year" said David Joyce, Congress Equality Officer, "We hope they will change course and that the Irish Government will continue to play a constructive role in the negotiations. With support from Governments, violence against women in the world of work, can be wiped out by employers, unions and union members.
"An ILO Convention could complement existing EU and national law requiring all workplaces to have procedures for dealing with violence and harassment, give the victims clearly stated rights and put in place sanctions against perpetrators. It could make a huge difference to the lives of those living in countries with no such laws.
"Violence and harassment costs lives and livelihoods. It affects millions of women and their families" said Sharan Burrow, General Secretary of the ITUC. "Next year, the ILO has the opportunity to take a huge step towards a world of work free from violence and harassment. We are calling on governments and employers to join us in aiming high".
Congress supports the ITUC which is campaigning for an ILO Convention to stop gender-based violence in the world of work to be adopted next year – during the centenary year of the ILO.
For further information contact:
David Joyce, Congress Equality Officer on 087 2260213
or Conor Kavanagh, Congress on 086 8116607
ENDS
