Parliament postpones accession to international labor agreement
Published: Tuesday, Dec 12th 2023, 10:00
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Switzerland will not ratify the International Labor Organization's Convention on the Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work for the time being. Parliament has referred the bill back to the Federal Council - and is requesting a consultation on it.
On Tuesday, the National Council followed the decision of the Council of States in September. It decided to refer the matter back without opposition. This gives the Federal Council the mandate to specify the directly or indirectly applicable provisions of Convention No. 190 of the International Labor Organization (ILO). It is to conduct an ordinary consultation procedure on the bill.
Unclear consequences
According to committee spokeswoman Tamara Funiciello (SP/BE), a majority of the committee are not clear enough about the framework conditions for approval. A year ago, the large chamber had clearly approved the federal resolution to approve the agreement. The employers' and employees' organizations were behind the agreement and had been involved in the work at federal level, it was said at the time.
The Council of States initially did not support the proposal and later called for more detailed clarification of the consequences of Swiss accession with its rejection decision. Several members expressed doubts about the national government's statement that Swiss legislation would not need to be amended.
ILO Director puts pressure on
ILO Convention No. 190 is the first of its kind to contain an internationally agreed definition of violence and harassment in the world of work. The Convention provides for a legal prohibition of violence and harassment in the workplace. It also specifies measures for prevention and support and remedial measures for victims. To date, 32 countries have ratified the Convention.
Last August, ILO Director Gilbert Houngbo intervened in the discussion. In an interview with the French-speaking Swiss newspaper "Le Temps", he admitted that Switzerland already had national laws in place. However, Switzerland must set a good example and assume its international responsibility - especially as a member of the UN Security Council.
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