Sexual Harassment at Workplace vis-à-vis Recent Developments of International Labour Organization

Abstract

International Labour Organisation completed its Centenary when the world of work is under transformative change, driven by and climate change, environmental concerns, technological innovations, globalization, demographic shifts. Persistent inequalities are having a profound impact on the nature and future of work, on the place and dignity of people in it. The delegates on the final day of the Centenary International Labour Conference, in Geneva in June 2019 adopted The Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019, and Violence and Harassment Recommendation, 2019. The new international labour standard aims to protect workers and employees, regardless of their contractual status. It recognizes that “individuals exercising the authority, duties or responsibilities of an employer can also be subjected to violence and harassment. The standard covers violence and harassment occurring in the workplace; places where a worker is paid, takes a rest or meal break, or uses sanitary, washing or changing facilities; during work-related trips, travel, training, events or social activities; work-related communications (including through information and communication technologies), in employer-provided accommodation; and when commuting to and from work. It also recognizes that violence and harassment may involve third parties. It is hoped that the Member States implement the provisions of these new standards - Convention and Recommendation.