labour
The ILO, the UN’s agency dealing with world of work issues, is marking its 100th year in 2019. Recently, a new Convention and accompanying Recommendation to combat violence and harassment in the world of work have been adopted by the International Labour Conference (ILC). The Convention recognises that violence and harassment in the world of work “can constitute a human rights violation or abuse...is a threat to equal opportunities, is unacceptable and incompatible with decent work.”
This is the first new Convention agreed by the International Labour Conference since 2011, when the Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No.189) was adopted. “The new standards recognise the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment,” says Guy Ryder, ILO Director General.
The Centenary ILC - the 108th meeting of the Conference - held in Geneva, was attended by more than 5,700 delegates, representing governments, workers and employers from the ILO’s 187 member States. The Convention recalls that members have an important responsibility to promote a general environment of zero tolerance to violence and harassment. It also acknowledges that gender-based violence and harassment disproportionately affects women and girls, and an inclusive, integrated and gender-responsive approach is essential to end violence and harassment in the world of work. Each member including Pakistan shall adopt, in accordance with national law and circumstances and in consultation with representative employers and workers’ organisations, an inclusive, integrated and gender-responsive approach for the prevention and elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work.
An important aspect of this Convention is that it covers all the sectors whether private or public, both in the formal and informal economy, and whether in urban or rural areas. It is hoped that home-based workers, which come in the category of informal sector, will also get some relief in terms of getting their rights and work protection.
HomeNet Pakistan (HNP) has been working for giving recognition and support to the home-based workers since 2005. The organisation is composed of network of 360 home-based worker’s organisations, demonstrating 50,000 women members from 50 districts of Pakistan. HNP believes that women in the informal economy need to be recognised as labourers instead of considered as a poor, deserving and insignificant part of the society. You! talks to Ume Laila, Executive Director of HomeNet Pakistan, regarding the implications of the recent Convention on home based workers...
You! As a voice of home-based workers (HBWs), especially women, do you think these recommendations will benefits our workers too in any way?
Ume Laila: It will eventually benefit the HBWs because for now the coverage of HBWs is limited, their exposure and access to opportunities is restricted. But in coming months/years when the HBWs acts would be enacted, implemented across Pakistan, then they would come under the regime of workers and would eventually benefit from it. Also as the mechanisms for the complaints, dispute resolutions, etc are under process in provinces like Sindh and hopefully in Punjab soon; the convention would provide a guideline in drafting those for protecting the HBWs against all forms of violence and harassment. And above all, awareness of the HBWs on the main crux of the Convention; making them feel elated that they can approach the government in case they need support and how to hold them accountable.
You! Any positive developments since the Recommendations have been passed? What has been the role of HomeNet Pakistan in the implementation process?
UL: Yet to come in a visible way. The only response is that government is committed to adopt the bylines.
You! Is government taking any concrete steps in improving the conditions of our home-based workers?
UL: Yes, but in piecemeal because of the reason that a huge amount of funding is required to set up a holistic mechanism for the implementation of the HBWs Act and bringing them to the social security regime and the government social development funds allocation and disbursement is shirking.
You! Do you have any strategy for the government to follow (keeping the newly adopted recommendations in mind) regarding improving the terms and conditions of HBWS?
UL: Yes, we do have and we are working closely with provincial governments to adopt and implement those. Soon for ICT there would be some initiatives which in my view would pave the way for HBWs recognition as workers.
You! What are the challenges being faced by HBWs?
UL: Implementation is a big challenge. However, the utmost challenge is the will of the government in order to work in a coherent participatory framework to promote and realise the fundamental principles and rights at work; namely freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining; the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour; the effective abolition of child labour and the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation, as well as to promote decent work. This would appear in papers but on grounds it will take time if proper initiatives are taken.
You! What do you think are the main obstacles in achieving your goals?
UL: Institutional funding is a major hurdle. As we are focused on the women and labour rights of women in informal sector, not much funding is available for long term. Whatever is there is usually project-base let’s say for 12 months or 18 months and this is not a project. It is a ‘process’ which needs continued funding to build on the movement , prepare the HBWs and their leadership for collective bargaining and negotiation and this is not possible without a institutional support and strengthening. Secondly, to reach out to HBW in continuity is a challenge. Any interval between the connectivity backfires and we have to restart the whole process.
You! What do you think needs to be done?
UL: It’s time to increase the female labour force participation of Pakistan. By registering the HBWs across country with the support of local government, would add on the numbers. Secondly, HBWs, DWs (domestic workers) and other informal workers should be included in social security schemes by devising separate mechanism for them.
You! What is the most important advice you can give to women?
UL: Know your rights and organise to reach out to them. That will give you power and visibility!
-Erum Noor Muzaffar is the editor of You! magazine. She can be contacted at iram29hotmail.com