The Philippine affiliates of Public Services International (PSI) together with the affiliates of Building and Wood Workers International (BWI), IndustriAll, UNI Global Union and the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), held a Press Conference on Sept. 27, 2023, at the B Hotel, in Quezon City, Philippines, urging Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to ratify ILO Convention 190 or the Convention on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work.

 ILO C. 190 protects the workers, regardless of their employment status, from violence and harassment including gender-based discrimination in the workplace and ensures that awareness-raising campaigns against violence and harassment are in place. Convention 190 provides a framework for companies to create work environments that are free from violence and harassment, grounded on the principles of dignity and respect.

 The campaigners believe that ILO C. 190 resonates with the current administration’s provision of protection for all workers regardless of gender, age, sex, race, beliefs, and abilities, who are free from violence and harassment in whatever form to achieve a safe space.  Once ratified, existing and future Philippine national laws and policies must be aligned with the true meaning and spirit of the international instrument.

 As of latest update, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has consolidated concurrences and endorsements from pertinent government agencies like the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), and submitted the ratification documents to the Office of the President for the President’s consideration. The documents are now with the Office of the Executive Secretary undergoing review.

 The Press Conference was covered by the media from the ABS-CBN, Rappler, Saksi, Mayday Multimedia and the Manila Times. Solidarity Center also expressed its support, as there were 22 female and 15 male participants during the event.

Media Coverage

The Manila Times: Marcos called on to ratify labor treaty to end harassment in work place.