Frankfurt – On November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, IG Metall is calling on the German federal government to exert pressure at the European level for the ratification of ILO Convention 190. This convention establishes the right to a workplace free from violence and harassment. Once ratified, it can be transposed into national law.
One in six women in Germany has already experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, and one in three women experiences physical and/or sexual violence at some point in her life. However, efforts to combat and prevent such violence are often hampered by resistance and obstruction, as is the case with ILO Convention 190.
Christiane Benner, Second Chair of IG Metall: “Violence against and oppression of women must finally become a thing of the past; any obstruction of this is incomprehensible. We see how courageously women—and men, too—in Iran are standing up against an oppressive regime and for their freedom. These inspiring, fearless people should spur us on to stand up forcefully for women, life, and freedom.”
Like many other places, the workplace is not the safe place it should be for many women. Sexual harassment, psychological or physical violence, and online hate often mean that women can only go about their work in fear.
Christiane Benner emphasizes the important role of unions in the fight against this: “A safe world for women must also include a safe workplace. As a union, we advocate for this every day, but especially on this day. Through our strong commitment to workplace contact points in accordance with the General Equal Treatment Act, which employers are now required to establish. Through company agreements that promote and regulate cooperative behavior in the workplace. And through ongoing support and training opportunities for women, enabling them to act as strong agents within the company. The steadily growing number of women serving on works councils and as works council chairs reinforces our commitment to this path.”
The ratification of the ILO Convention would represent another significant step toward a violence-free world of work. However, for working conditions to truly improve, the signatory states must incorporate the Convention into national law, implement it—and, to that end, ratify it. Since European regulatory provisions are affected, the European Council must first authorize EU member states to ratify it. But some member states are blocking the process. IG Metall considers this stance to be wrong and is therefore calling on the federal government to exert greater pressure.
