Role of trade unions in combating violence and harassment at workplace: a seminar in Uzbekistan

Its main goal was to increase capacity of workers’ organisations on practical implications of the ILO Convention on Violence and Harassment (C190) through workplace solutions. The participants discussed how to address and prevent violence and harassment at the workplace to maintain a safe working environment. That is a difficult challenge but a necessary step to better control the risks and minimize the negative impacts that violence and harassment brings to the workplace.

It was noted that violence in the world of work is a serious matter for society as a whole, not only because it represents a moral issue, but also because it is an issue of security, stability, public health and human rights.

Rovshan Bedilov, Chair of the Trade Union of Education and Science Workers of Uzbekistan, in his opening speech mentioned the efforts and support measures provided for education and science workers. He expressed the union’s commitment to gender equality and safe working environment.

Makhmudjon Isaev of the Federation of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan provided an overview of employment promotion measures targeted at increasing gender equality and decent work for all resulting, and provided information on the recent employment rates in education sector.

Sergeyus Glovackas, Desk Officer for Europe and Central Asia, ACTRAV, underlined the importance of trade union advocacy work aimed at countering and preventing violence and harassment in organizations and enterprises.

Victor Hugo Ricco, Senior Specialist on Workers' Activities, presented the key elements of the Convention No. 190.

Ozge Berber-Agtaş, Gender Equality and Non-Discrimination Specialist, ILO Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, conducted a session on the global experience on prevention of violence and harassment at the workplace. The representatives of the trade unions of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan joined the discussion by sharing their country experiences in this area.

Firuza Hamdamova, national consultant, provided an overview of the key elements of the national legislation addressing the issues of preventing violence and harassment at the workplace.

The participants jointly formulated key elements of the future position of the trade unions on preventing and combating V&H and identified the key steps on this way.

The seminar provided an opportunity to increase technical capacity of workers’ organizations to understand their role in ensuring a respectful and safe working environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, and violence.

The seminar was conducted within the framework of RBSA intervention on Supporting Development of Gender Responsive Policies and Programmes on Care Economy and Decent Work for Care Workers in Uzbekistan.