ILO C190: A New Era for Workplace Safety and Respect

Introduction

The International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention 190 (C190) is a landmark international labor standard that aims to eliminate violence and harassment in the world of work. This convention is significant to the Filipino workforce because it provides a comprehensive framework to prevent and address various forms of violence and harassment, including gender-based violence and harassment, in all sectors and workplaces.

Background

C190 was adopted by the ILO in June 2019 and entered into force in June 2021. The convention defines the meaning of violence and harassment, prominently includes gender-based violence and harassment, and establishes the Right of Everyone to be protected under its principles. It applies equally to those working in the private and public sectors, in the formal and informal economy.

Benefits

• The benefits of having C190 include:
• Comprehensive Protection: C190 provides a comprehensive framework to protect workers from all forms of violence and harassment, ensuring a safer and more respectful workplace.
• Prevention and Protection: The convention emphasizes the importance of prevention and protection measures, which include defining violence and harassment, requiring prevention, protection, and remedies measures, and promoting awareness-raising, training, and monitoring.
• Access to Remedies: C190 ensures that workers have access to remedies and support for victims of violence and harassment, which is essential for addressing these issues effectively.
• Social Dialogue: The convention promotes social dialogue between governments, employers, and workers to address violence and harassment, which is crucial for effective implementation.
• Global Recognition: C190 is a global standard recognized by the ILO, which provides a common framework for addressing violence and harassment across countries and sectors.
• Enhanced Protection for OFWs: The ratification of C190 provides enhanced protection for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), who often face vulnerability to exploitation, discrimination, and abuse while working abroad.
• Alignment with National Laws: C190 aligns with existing national laws and policies, such as the Labor Code of the Philippines, the Migrant Workers Act, the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act, and the Anti-Women Discrimination Act, ensuring a cohesive approach to addressing violence and harassment.
• Promoting Decent Work: The convention promotes decent work by ensuring a safer and more respectful workplace, which is essential for improving worker morale, productivity, and overall well-being.

Conclusion

The ratification of ILO C190 is a significant step towards ensuring a safer and more respectful workplace for Filipino workers. The benefits of having C190 include comprehensive protection, prevention and protection measures, access to remedies, social dialogue, global recognition, enhanced protection for OFWs, alignment with national laws, and promoting decent work.