15 Dec 2020 – NTUC Phl holds 14 Dec online tripartite discussions on ratification of ILO Convention 190 on violence and harassment in the world of work

The resource persons from ILO, BWSC/DOLE, PMAP (from recording) and NTUC Phl made presentations on the hughlights of ILO Convention 190, and the accompanying Recommendation 206, the implications on enterprises, what employers are doing to ‘continuously ensure safe and gender-responsive work environment’, what trade unions have been doing on gender-based violence (GBV) and violence and harassment at the enterprise level while working for adoption then ratification of the instrument.

Lively discussions took place with 62 participants (37 women, 23 youth), officers from NTUC Phl affiliates, women and youth representatives, and officers from local unions.

Participants batted for the Philippines to speed up ratification. while noting that government consultations on ratification of C190 could be more inclusive.

The discussions were part of NTUC Phl’s activities under the ITUC AP/DGB BW/ATUC project on women and youth participation in trade unions and society.

The tripartite discussions were preceded by NTUC Phl President RODOLFO M. CAPOQUIAN’s report on NTUC Phl’s 2020. President Capoquian shared the Center’s 2020 experiences, from the eruption of Taal Volcano in January where many members have been affected; thousands of new members from gaming and casino workers; the lockdowns and quarantines where COVID-19 including the government’s response have brought more difficulties to workplaces, informal economy , communities and the country. For decades, the trade unions have so many gains through collective bargaining and negotiations, which are threatened by Covid-19 and wayward responses. He also cited the blessings of the crisis such as learning to do organizing and meetings online and opportunities for online workers education. He emphasized that women and youth are the future of work. He ended with a commitment to continue the advocacy and campaign against discrimination, inequality, injustice and misgovernance.