The annual International Labour Organization (ILO) conference has kicked off in Geneva with talks focusing on a new international treaty to protect workers from harassment and violence which could be adopted in 2019.
This content was published on
3 minutes
Born in London, Simon is a multimedia journalist who has worked for www.swissinfo.ch since 2006. He speaks French, German and Spanish and focuses on science, technology and innovation issues.
Over 5,000 worker, government and employer delegates from ILO’s 187 member states are gathered at the United Nations Palais des Nations for the International Labour Conference, which runs from May 28 to June 8.
ILO director-general Guy Ryder says the ILO started discussing such an idea in 2015, well before the recent spate of sexual misconduct allegations against high-profile figures such as American film producer Harvey Weinstein, and the spread of the #MeToo campaign worldwide.
“During these first discussions [in Geneva] we hope to define the scope of a possible international standard [on the issue of protecting workers from violence and harassment]. This step is essential to be able to finalise a text that we hope can be adopted in 2019 – ILO’s centenary year,” Ryder told the Tribune de Genève on Monday.
The ILO External linksays efforts have been made at different levels to address the issue of violence and harassment in the workplace but believes there are there many gaps in legal protections. They include a lack of coherent laws, a lack of coverage in laws and policies for workers most exposed to violence, and an overly narrow definition of “workplace” in existing laws and regulations.
“The establishment of one or more instruments is appropriate to mainstream gender in the field of work, to provide increased protection, particularly considering the increasing proportion of women in the labour market, and to raise awareness of risks of harassment stemming from new technologies,” it stated.
But Bern says it will wait until the end of the Geneva discussions before deciding what form the instrument should take.
More
More
How work has evolved for Switzerland’s women and men
This content was published on
We take a look in graphics at how gender patterns have evolved in Switzerland’s labour market.
New gel developed in Zurich renders alcohol harmless
This content was published on
A newly developed gel composed of whey proteins breaks down alcohol in the body and could reduce its harmful and intoxicating effects in humans.
Pro-Palestine protests extend to Basel and Fribourg universities
This content was published on
Demonstrators called for an academic boycott of all Israeli institutions and disassociation with Chaim Weizmann, the first Israeli president.
This content was published on
In many cases, China's use of AI undermines the national security of the US and its allies, according to a US government representative.
Swiss Hells Angels trial alleges rape and money laundering
This content was published on
An allegedly high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is accused of money laundering totalling millions and rape, among other serious crimes.
SWISS is airline ‘group flagship’ says Lufthansa boss
This content was published on
Despite challenges, Lufthansa and its most important subsidiary, Swiss International Airlines, promise increased satisfaction and continued growth.
Swiss rediscover communist zeal after 84-year hiatus
This content was published on
Over 300 participants founded the Revolutionary Communist Party (RKP) at its congress in Burgdorf in canton Bern at the weekend.
This content was published on
Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss women have come a long way, but still face discrimination
This content was published on
Switzerland has been swept up in the grassroots ‘#MeToo’ movement and the growing dissatisfaction among women with the status quo.
This content was published on
The percentage of women in top executive positions dropped slightly in Switzerland last year - for the first time since 2009, a report has found.
Parliamentarians call for action on sexual harassment
This content was published on
Voices are raised over sexual harassment in parliament after a politician is suspended from his party over stalking allegations.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.