The main purpose of this note is to provide information about the Convention Number 190, of the International Labor Organization, recently ratified.
Background
On July 6th, Mexico submitted the instrument of ratification of the Violence and Harassment Convention No. 190, which aims to eradicate harassment at work or mobbing.
This is the first international treaty that addresses problems such as violence and harassment in the workplace. It recognizes the importance of a healthy work culture, where mutual respect and dignity are the basis for preventing harassment, violence and in general, mobbing. This treaty will be a framework for establishing and developing guidelines concerning dignity, respect, and access for workers to a workplace that is free of violence and harassment.
Main Points
The recently ratified Convention, is designed to incorporate a wide variety of work modalities, including those work activities that are not necessarily performed in a particular area, proposing an extensive implementation scope that will be beneficial to thousands of workers and will promote an environment free of harassment and violence in the labor sector.
The term “violence and harassment” is defined in the Convention, as the set of unacceptable behaviors and practices, or threats of such behaviors, whether in a single or continuous form, that are aimed at or cause physical or mental harm to workers. Also in the document, the definition of genderbased violence and harassment is also specified, which refers to harmful behaviors against workers because of their sex or gender.
The document also stipulates that the countries that are members of the Convention, will have the responsibility to promote an environment of zero tolerance towards violence and harassment, in order to prevent and address these practices, which have an impact not only physically, but also psychologically, sexually and even economically on workers.
Consequences for Mexico
As a member of this Convention, Mexico has the obligation to reform its legislation and adapt policies that allow and ensure the fulfillment of the dispositions included in the treaty. Therefore, the Mexican government has the responsibility to implement political and legislative provisions to abide and comply with the requirements set forth by the International Labor Organization.
In addition, various labor law provisions should be reformed to allow the denunciation and punishment of those who commit such behaviors, as well as to design mechanisms and implement procedures to protect victims in any situation involving these problems.
The ratification of Convention No. 190 is expected to be the first part of a series of improvements to be implemented by the Mexican government to promote and guarantee workers access to a safe and healthy work environment that allows them to develop their professional abilities without affecting their human rights.
