Lithuanian Parliament moves to ratify convention on eliminating workplace violence and harassment

The Lithuanian Seimas has taken a significant step towards enhancing workplace safety by voting to approve the ratification of the International Labour Organization's (ILO) Convention on Violence and Harassment in the Workplace. This move, supported by 67 members of parliament with only a few opposing, signals Lithuania's unwavering commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all workers.

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We are committed to consistently strengthening the protection of workers' rights – the ratification of the convention is a logical step in continuing this direction and implementing programmatic goals.

As a long-standing member of the ILO since 1921, and a committed member of the European Union, Lithuania recognizes the critical importance of this convention. Minister of Social Security and Labour, Jūratė Zailskienė, emphasized that ratifying this document is a logical progression in our ongoing efforts to bolster employee protections and fulfill our programmatic objectives. This convention provides a crucial framework for a more inclusive and gender-sensitive approach to preventing and eradicating violence and harassment in the professional sphere.

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The convention establishes an inclusive, integrated, and gender-sensitive concept for the prevention and elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work.

The convention's scope is comprehensive, extending protection to all individuals engaged in work-related activities, including volunteers, trainees, job seekers, employers, and others who may encounter such issues. It addresses violence and harassment not only within the physical workplace but also during work-related travel, training, communication, and even in employer-provided accommodation. Crucially, it acknowledges the impact of domestic violence on the workplace and calls for measures to mitigate its effects, recognizing that a safe home environment is intrinsically linked to a productive and secure work environment.

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The convention aims to protect all workers and other persons associated with the work environment: volunteers, trainees, job seekers, employers, as natural persons, and other persons who encounter violence and harassment in the work environment.

This ratification is more than just a procedural step; it is a reaffirmation of Lithuania's dedication to creating environments where everyone feels safe and respected. By adopting these international standards, Lithuania is not only meeting its international obligations but also setting a higher benchmark for workplace conduct, ensuring that all individuals have access to effective remedies and are protected from harm. The Ministry of Social Security and Labour has been instrumental in championing this cause, ensuring that the rights and responsibilities of both employees and employers are clearly defined within this new framework.

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The convention's provisions also include measures related to the protection of victims and raising awareness, establishing the rights and obligations of employees and employers.