As the International Labour Organisation Convention 190 on violence and harassment in the world of work comes into force, global unions provide the critical tools in the campaign to end workplace violence and harassment.

Affecting millions of workers globally, physical assault, bullying, sexual harassment, online abuse, economic violence and abusive work practices are some of the most widespread forms of violence in the world of work.

The launch of the toolkit comes as evidence shows that all types of violence against women and girls have intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, making women workers especially vulnerable.

The new toolkit aims to support unions to develop training programmes and workplace solutions that tackle violence and harassment, with a special focus on gender-based violence and harassment and ensure that they are no longer considered ‘part of the job’. It is also a useful tool for trade unions campaigning for the ratification of Convention 190 in their countries.

It features a facilitators’ guide and an activities workbook that aim to encourage discussion and build stronger unions to enable workers to assert their rights to a world of work free from violence and harassment.

Welcoming the toolkit, Susan Hopgood, Education International President, stated:

Many years ago, the trade union movement set out to end violence and harassment in the world of work. We now need to ensure every country ratifies and implements the Convention. We also need to work in our unions so that every union member becomes an agent of change. We must press on until we make this convention a reality for workers everywhere.

Photo by Artem Beliaikin on Unsplash