Philippines: ILO Convention 190 gains momentum, moves forward
The Building and Wood Workers International (BWI) and its affiliates in the Philippines have applauded Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s recent endorsement of International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 190 to the Senate of the Philippines, which they said is a critical step in tackling workplace violence and harassment. According to BWI’s affiliates, for the convention to be fully valid in the country, it needs the ratification of the President and concurrence of at least two-thirds of all the members of the Senate.
BWI expressed gratitude for Filipino trade unions’ years of committed lobbying and advocacy efforts in a joint statement with other global unions. Marcos' support is viewed as a welcome step toward safer workplaces free from all forms of violence and harassment, notably gender-based discrimination and other abuses. It stressed the need of ratifying ILO Convention 190, especially at a time when workers globally confront various forms of workplace violence and harassment. The global union emphasised the importance of the convention in preventing gender-based discrimination against workers based on a variety of factors such as sexual orientation, gender identity, and other marginalised groups such as workers with disabilities and indigenous peoples. It emphasised the importance of this development not only for the Philippines but also as a step forward in the global effort to ensure decent work conditions for all.
The 12 million-strong global union also lauded the role of labour organisations in the Philippines, especially its affiliates, in lobbying for the ratification of ILO Convention 190 and recognized Philippine President Marcos for his support. It expressed hope that this measure will help to achieve the larger goal of creating workplaces free of violence and harassment, supporting worker well-being, and fostering a more gender-equal and just working environment in the Philippines.