ZAMBIA Congress of Trade Unions embraces landmark ILO Convention to combat workplace violence and harassment

Violence and harassment in the workplace remain a significant challenge globally, affecting employees across all industries, roles, and work arrangements. Recognizing the urgency of addressing this issue, the International Labour Organization (ILO) made history on June 21, 2019, by adopting Convention No. 190

(C190) and Recommendation No. 206. These groundbreaking labor standards aim to eradicate violence and

harassment, particularly in work environments, and promote dignity, equality, and social justice. The Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has been at the forefront of advocating for the implementation and domestication of C190. This effort has garnered significant attention as the country

moves closer to ratifying the convention.

A Call to Action Against Workplace Violence

Workplace violence, including gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH), continues to negatively impact workers’ health, safety, and productivity. It deprives workers of their dignity and undermines efforts

to establish decent and secure employment. Recognizing the issue, Zambia’s Cabinet recently approved the ratification of C190, signaling the government’s commitment to providing a legal framework that prioritizes human rights and workplace safety. This move aligns Zambia with global standards and reinforces the country’s stance against workplace violence.

ZCTU Leads the Fight for Safe Workplaces

The ZCTU has emerged as a leading voice advocating for the full implementation of C190 in Zambia. As

the country’s most representative trade union federation, ZCTU is determined to ensure that the convention

is not just a symbolic gesture but a practical tool for achieving safer and more inclusive workplaces.

Through its efforts, the ZCTU has :

• Launched a Nationwide Sensitization Campaign : Spanning all ten provinces. this initiative trains trade union leaders and civil society organizations to identify and prevent GBVH.

• Promoted Policy Reforms : Encouraging the government to integrate C190 into national legislation and workplace policies.

• Focused on Gender-Responsive Approaches : Advocating for inclusive reforms that address the specific needs of marginalized groups, particularly women.

• Emphasized Collective Bargaining : Urging affiliate unions to use C190 as a negotiation tool to ensure safer workplace conditions for all workers.

Trade Unions as Key Agents of Change

Trade unions play a pivotal role in transforming workplaces into spaces free of violence and harassment. The ZCTU’s approach involves working collaboratively with employers to create policies, conduct risk assessments, and address factors that increase the likelihood of violence.

“This is a chance for us to ensure that every worker, regardless of their background or gender, can work in a safe and respectful environment,” said a ZCTU spokesperson. “Our commitment is to make workplaces

safer and more inclusive, building a stronger foundation for decent work in Zambia.”

The Path Ahead

The ratification of C190 by the Zambian Parliament is a crucial step toward fulfilling the country’s commitment to human rights in the workplace. By implementing the convention, Zambia aims to improve

the quality of work environments, enhance workers’ well-being, and strengthen the role of trade unions in

fostering change.

As awareness of C190 grows, the ZCTU remains steadfast in its mission to dismantle patriarchal systems,

ensure gender equality, and promote justice across workplaces. With government backing and collaborative

efforts from unions and civil society, Zambia is set to create a safer and more equitable world of work for all its citizens.

For more information, download the ILO’s “Violence and Harassment in the World of Work : A Guide on

Convention No. 190 and Recommendation No. 206”.