Employment and Labour Minister T.W Nxesi to announce SA’s ascension to the prescripts of Convention 190 to deal with violence and harassment in the world of work

Employment and Labour Minister T.W Nxesi is to address a briefing session to announce and handover South Africa’s ascension to the prescripts of International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 190 (C190).

The Minister’s announcement of the ascension coincides with the 16 days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence.

The C190 protects workers and other persons in the world of work, including employees as defined by national law and practice, as well as persons working irrespective of their contractual status, persons in training, including interns and apprentices, workers whose employment has been terminated, volunteers, jobseekers and job applicants, and individuals exercising the authority, duties or responsibilities of an employer.

A convention exists to regulate matters of common interest. C190 is a legally binding instrument to deal with violence and harassment in the workplace.

A member ratifying Convention C190 commits to respect, promote and recognise the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment. Once the C190 is in force a member state has an obligation to also ensure enforcement and effective remedies.

After South Africa has submitted its ratification details these are expected to be registered with the Director-General of the International Labour Office of the ILO.

Countries that have ratified the Convention include Argentina, Ecuador, Italy, Fiji, Mauritius, Namibia, Somalia, and Uruguay.

Media is invited to attend the session.

Source: Government of South Africa