ILO Convention 190 & Japanese new labor law on violence and harassment at work

Last year ILO created the first international standard that aims to put an end to violence and harassment in the world of work(see article 4 below) . In Japan in 2019 as well, the new labor law on workplace bullying passed, which will take effect in June, 2020.

The new law made definition of the harassment protected by the law and shows preventive actions to be taken by the companies.

I truly hope ,thanks to the Japanese law maker's effort, violence and harassment at work will dramatically decrease so that healthy and effective working environment prevail throughout Japan from now on! No more ''Pawa-Hara''! 

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ILO C190 - Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190)

Article 4

  1.   1. Each Member which ratifies this Convention shall respect, promote and realize the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment.
  2.   2. Each Member shall adopt, in accordance with national law and circumstances and in consultation with representative employers’ and workers’ organizations, an inclusive, integrated and gender-responsive approach for the prevention and elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work. Such an approach should take into account violence and harassment involving third parties, where applicable, and includes:
    • (a) prohibiting in law violence and harassment;
    • (b) ensuring that relevant policies address violence and harassment;
    • (c) adopting a comprehensive strategy in order to implement measures to prevent and combat violence and harassment;
    • (d) establishing or strengthening enforcement and monitoring mechanisms;
    • (e) ensuring access to remedies and support for victims;
    • (f) providing for sanctions;
    • (g) developing tools, guidance, education and training, and raising awareness, in accessible formats as appropriate; and
    • (h) ensuring effective means of inspection and investigation of cases of violence and harassment, including through labour inspectorates or other competent bodies.
  3.   3. In adopting and implementing the approach referred to in paragraph 2 of this Article, each Member shall recognize the different and complementary roles and functions of governments, and employers and workers and their respective organizations, taking into account the varying nature and extent of their respective responsibilities.

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