{"id":3057,"date":"2022-09-28T17:58:38","date_gmt":"2022-09-28T15:58:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uni-europa.org\/?post_type=news&p=3057"},"modified":"2023-03-17T16:34:45","modified_gmt":"2023-03-17T15:34:45","slug":"europes-gaming-workers-call-for-an-end-to-workplace-violence-and-harassment","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.uni-europa.org\/news\/europes-gaming-workers-call-for-an-end-to-workplace-violence-and-harassment\/","title":{"rendered":"Europe\u2019s gaming workers call for an end to workplace violence and harassment"},"content":{"rendered":"

To be able to work safely and in dignity, free from violence and harassment of any kind, is a fundamental human right which no worker must be denied. Casinos, betting shops and other gaming establishments have particularly high rates of harassment at work.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Over the course of a two-day workshop, trade unionists from across Europe\u2019s gaming sector came together. They shared their experiences and learned about initiatives at the European and global levels aiming to put an end to workplace violence and harassment. They also\u00a0exchanged on anti-harassment and violence prevention policies in different countries and companies and to further discuss joint actions to eliminate negative practices by strengthening social dialogue and implementing appropriate preventive mechanisms.<\/p>\n

\u201cViolence and harassment in the world of work are threats to the dignity, health, and wellbeing of everyone\u201d\u00a0– said Pilar Rato, UNI Europa Gaming President<\/strong> and UNI Europa 1st<\/sup> Vice-President.<\/strong><\/p>\n

It has been almost 3 years since the ILO adopted, in June 2019, its Convention 190 on the Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work and yet, to date, only 19 countries around the world have ratified it \u2013 and only 6 of these in Europe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhether it happens in the workplace or not, being subjected to violence and harassment will invariably have an impact on a worker\u2019s performance and productivity. Supporting the victim whilst ensuring due process must be part of an employer\u2019s duty of care. Trade unions must adopt structures and synergies to promote the ratification and implementation of ILO C190,\u201d said Veronica Fernandez Mendez, UNI Equal Opportunities Head of department.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u201c<\/span><\/span><\/span>Collective bargaining can play a key role in preventing and eliminating violence and harassment at work, including mitigating impacts of domestic violence. It can ensure that all workers, in all situations, are protected, and that measures to address violence and harassment take into account gender inequality and discrimination. <\/span><\/span><\/span>Th<\/span><\/span><\/span>e <\/span><\/span><\/span>current<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span> situation is unacceptable, especially when 1 in 3 women will be a victim of violence in her lifetime<\/span><\/span><\/span>,<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span> said <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Amel Selma Djemail, UNI Europa Equal Opportunities Director<\/span><\/span><\/span>.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The workshop ended with a brainstorming on what should be included in the cross-sector guidelines which will be developed throughout the course of the project and presented at its final conference next year. Key points that came out of the discussions were that we need a stronger response from trade unions and joint actions and commitment from the employers to achieve violence- and harassment-free environments in casinos, betting shops and other gaming establishments. Workplace health and safety must include strong protection against discrimination, violence and harassment\u00a0– and not only the rules but also implementation and monitoring mechanisms. The participants including the employers decided to urgently issue a joint statement to show the common desire to fight against this scourge which is workplace violence.<\/p>\n

\u201cMany Europe\u2019s gaming sector employees are women and they do not feel safe coming to work.\u00a0UNI Gaming vision is zero tolerance to any kind of violence and harassment at workplace. We call on companies for joint actions to ensure safety for all,\u201d Giedre Lelyte<\/strong>, Head of UNI\u00a0<\/strong>Gaming.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Inequality between women and men persists in the world of work in many forms, from career prospects and development opportunities to various terms and conditions. The aim of this UNI Europa Equal Opportunities cross-sector project is to<\/strong> contribute to<\/strong> end<\/strong>ing<\/strong> violence and harassment at work and tackle domestic violence<\/strong>, as \u2013 with rising remote work \u2013 the home has become the new workplace.<\/p>\n

Through this project, UNI Europa intends to:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n