ILO Convention 190 (C190) and the accompanying Recommendation No. 206 (R206) provide a common framework for ending discrimination, violence and harassment in the world of work.

Violence and harassment are behaviours and practices, or even threats, that might present as a single occurrence or repeated incidences, with the aim to, or resulting in physical, psychological, sexual or economic harm.

Violence and harassment can occur everywhere when people are brought together by work. The covid-19 pandemic worsened the occurrence of violence and harassment,  particularly against women and vulnerable groups.

18 countries have ratified C190, which was adopted by the International Labour Conference of the ILO in June 2019. 50 governments are expected to ratify the convention by the end of 2023, according to a recent survey of trade unions in 79 countries. By ratifying, governments commit to putting in place the necessary laws and policy measures to prevent and address violence and harassment in the world of work.

Why C190 is important

• It aims to eliminate all forms of violence and harassment in the world of work
• It protects all workers from all sectors 
• It addresses domestic violence 
• It aims to cover the gaps in national legislation

10 things unions can do to make the protections in C190 and R206 a reality

The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) suggests the following actions that unions can take to promote and advance C190:

1. Campaign for ratification of C190 in countries.
2. Engage in dialogue and policy setting with government representatives and politicians to prevent, address and remedy violence and harassment in the world of work
3. Negotiate C190 into collective agreements 
4. Negotiate workplace policies and procedures on violence and harassment in the world of work
5. Provide gender-responsive training to trade union representatives and shop stewards to participate in risk assessments on violence and harassment in the world of work
6. Provide gender-responsive training and guidelines to trade union representatives and shop stewards on handling complaints and providing support to victims of violence and harassment in the world of work
7. Raise awareness and provide information and education, in accessible formats, to workers on violence and harassment in the world of work, including specific information on gender-based violence and harassment
8. Include C190 in health and safety policies
9. Negotiate workplace policies and procedures addressing equality and non-discrimination
10. Provide training to trade union representatives and shop stewards on equality and non-discrimination, including handling complaints of discrimination

Useful resources

• Mini guide to C190 and R206
• C190 Train the Trainers Toolkit (Facilitator guide)
• C190 Train the Trainers Toolkit  (Activity workbook)

Related article:

• Implementing C190: Lessons from South Africa on ending violence in the world of work.