Study on workplace harassment and violence in Mongolia's public utilities sector released

The ILO and Mongolian Housing and Public Utilities Workers' Trade Union (MOSNAAUEH), with support from the EU-funded "Trade for Decent Work" project, has released a study on workplace harassment and violence in the public utilities sector. The findings were discussed at a dissemination event attended by over 130 participants, including representatives from trade unions, employers, and government agencies.

The study covered 5 per cent, or 1,602 employees, in the public utility sector in nine districts of Ulaanbaatar and six provinces.

The study highlights significant levels of workplace harassment and violence, particularly economic and psychological pressure from clients and customers. The findings underscore the need for collaborative efforts among social partners to promote decent work in the public utilities sector.

• Training Gaps: 70.7 per cent of employees reported not receiving any training on workplace harassment and violence in the past year, while only 29.3 per cent had received such training.
• Awareness Issues: 46.7 per cent of employees could not recognize if they were experiencing workplace harassment, violence, or discrimination. Additionally, 55.1 per cent did not know where to file a complaint or how to address these issues if they occurred.

• Information Sources: Many employees rely on websites, social media, television, radio, and print media for information about workplace harassment and violence. This reliance on external sources contributes to their lack of awareness and understanding of how to identify and address these issues within their workplaces.

  

  Participants adopted a resolution to ratify the ILO Convention No. 190 on eliminating violence and harassment in the world of work. They also agreed to submit recommendations to the Economic Standing Committee of the Parliament and other relevant authorities to protect workers' rights and address identified issues in the public utilities sector.

  For more information, please contact:

  Javzandulam Myagmar, National Project Coordinator, [email protected]