Conversaciones ICM: Marta Pujadas de la UOCRA sobre el Convenio 190 de la OIT

Marta discussed with Ambet Argentina's recent ratification of ILO Convention No. 190 on the Violence and Harassment at Workplaces and why trade unions need to pursue more ratifications in order to reclaim spaces against gender-based violence.

This is the second episode of “BWI Conversations,” an informative vlog hosted by Ambet.  Using short videos as its medium, BWI aims to provide an online venue for trade unionists to share their thoughts and experiences on various labour-related issues.

Full transcript:

Conversaciones ICM - BWI Conversations

Ambet Yuson talks to Marta Pujadas, UOCRA-Argentina

Hello everyone. Today is a special day, The International Womens Day. It is my honor to have a conversation with a very militant women labor leader Marta Pujadas from UOCRA, the construction trade union in Argentina. Today we are going to talk about ILO Convention 190 on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work.

Welcome, Marta. Congratulations! Argentina is the third country on ratifying ILO C.190. Please, tell me how did your union contribute to this success? 

Well, hello Ambet, my dear BWI General Secretary, Hello to all BWI colleagues. First of all, it is an honor to been chosen to express, on this March 8, our demands and our fights. But it is a big responsibility not only in representation of our region, but on behalf of all of us who work globally. We are indeed, very proud that Argentina is the third country in ratifying the Convention

However, looking to the past, we went a long way together with the Trade Union Confederation of the Americas (TUCA) the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) with our BWI and all the professional secretariatswe were installing this topic, in order to develop global campaigns tended to consider this issue within the ILO. Then, with the ILO Centennial Conference we were able to approve a Convention and a Recommendation on harassment and violence in the world of work. It was a debt all of us had pending.

First thing we did, as soon as returning from the ILO Conference, with the Convention and our Recommendation was going to the national dialogue table, with the government of that time and we requested, as the General Labor Confederation that Argentina begin quickly the ratification process since it is an important public signal. It meant anticipating and having the first call we had with other ILO Conventions.

It was a political expression of a country that wanted violence and harassment to end in the world of work. So, in the legislative process, the Convention was ratified by the majority of deputies and senator. What it's important to mention is that we have a team called UOCRA-WOMEN that depends directly on the General Secretariat and we began to work, previously with global campaigns and after Convention's approval, with the United Nations ILO and Spotlight campaigns. Specially, we focused on a very important campaign: "Not One Less" through our own campaign called "Do not look the other way". It means, no one can be disengaged on the domestic violence problem. The issue of violence is a social issue, rooted in society which must be banished. So, we did diffusion, since we are in a totally digitized world. We worked in networks, together with the youth. We also worked, hand in hand, with trade union sisters of other BWI-trade unions because our sector is a very important one to spread, raise awareness and prevent violence and harassment at workplace. Without a doubt this achievement belongs to all the women trade unionists who successfully campaigned to achieve this goal.

Marta, can you tell me what does C.190 means for the women workers? How is this tool going to protect women workers at workplace? The Convention includes addressing domestic violence saying it directly affects women workers at workplace.

How has this concept to link public and private life been received?

Very interesting question, Ambet, The Convention 190, as all ILO Conventions establishes a common and clear framework to prevent and address violence and harassment in the world of work. Therefore, we believe it is very important that countries not only ratify the Convention but also ensure the effective application of it.

The topic this Convention focuses on also demonstrates and makes visible the gender inequality situation for women. That was always the slogan of our campaign because this tool truly protects women workers. It doesn't matter the degree of contractuality they have and the employment relationship it doesn't matter if they are interning or volunteering. In addition, it also considers the information technology. But the important point was determining that this violence or harassment in the world of work not only affects mentally and physically but also causes economic damage, and shows damages from harassment and verbal violence. You know, there is a description that allows to each national to create a standard that leads to the prevention of these cases.

Detection, prevention and punishment, This is really important. The Convention also considers the effects of domestic violence on the world of work. As women trade unionist, we did a lot of campaigning focusing on this aspect, as I said before with the “Not One Less” or “Don't look the other way” campaigns and we deliver!

This is the importance of linking private life with public life; with the world of work. Violence is always there. Violence is a social issue that must fight back and the framework of Convention 190 defines it. The important discussion was the big definition, the big framework that states violence and workplace harassment must be banished as well as the national procedures that must be adapted to this Convention. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the increasing number violence against women at work and home and this is an opportunity for government to take action.

What are the important legal provisions the government is proposing to make C.190 a reality?

In Argentina there are some laws on the eradication of violence against women and girls such as Law 26485 but the truth is, and we have to face reality, there are still many spaces to cover Violence and harassment are present in the world of workand the theme is to make it visible and deal with the situation in order to prevent its recurrence. This is why the ratification of C.190 is so important. The picture is that the pandemic is especially demanding of women. Both those who had to go to work, in addition, exposed to the pandemic but also those who stayed at home, with some form of telework or home-office to which was added care tasks. And also, and we have to be clear about it, they were isolated during pandemic.

So, we have to find a way to communicate and to ensure support networks. Thus, considering the point of view of the world of work we cannot discount that decent work, formal work,and the economic empowerment of women are central pillars for protection and a way-out of a situation of violence or harassment.That is why, State's prevention and containment policies are highly important.

Public politics and the transformation from C.190 to reality as a response to society on this claim. Because we need efficient responses for victims of violence and harassment. We have to understand their situation as victims. Hence, it is necessary to ensure the Convention will be a reality. In this task, Argentinean women trade unionists, together with women of the region

remain vigilant and alert through our unions and Trade Union Confederations also demanding to public entities to respond to our reality.

So, what is the next front-line women trade unionists in Argentina will be taking on?

Well, our Argentina is kind of special, but hey, we are on many fronts, as we say here. But focusing on this issue, we are on permanent alert for what comes next. There is a future of work that is being debated differently with the pandemic such as technological transformation, teleworking or functions essentiality.

We want public policies based on C.190 but we also have to eradicate economic inequality, wage gap,fight back young women unemployment, There must be coordinated employment policies in the context of the Argentina's pandemic and economic situation. We need a response policy for young women,and provide them the opportunity to enter in the world of work thus, reduce the gender pay gap and combat the discrimination existing today.

Now, what I want to highlight is that women cannot give up our fight which is occupying more leadership positions. We must, as we always said, and Ambet, you are a teacher in this matter not only as GS, but always, we must train ourselves, take part of training processes, to occupy leadership positions with firmness to being able to debate because, in addition, we have to advance in a just transition path, with the creation of decent jobs.

In other words, we have to conquer the new modernity with equal opportunities, progress and social justice. So, it is true that we have several wins, and they must also be recognized. We must vindicate the fight of all the women who have been there until now, who preceded us, who had many difficulties but we also have to shape the way for those who are coming. So, for us, there is a decent work deficit there are inequality gaps, we want greater participation in decision, influence and power-making spaces.

The empowerment of women is important. We want to address this issue of the distribution of unpaid time between men and women in equity for care tasks. Our great challenge is to influence the places where decisions are made so equality policies for women can be ensured. I mean, well-paid, productive work, developed in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity

Thank you, Marta

I am sure that women construction workers in Argentina will be make a big contribution to the fight of women workers in Argentina and the world. Today is the International Womens Day and BWI is campaigning for an Equal and Better Future for All. What’s your message to the women workers of the world?

What a responsibility! But, to talk about a better and equal future for all, we need to say first that current women workers situation is not an exclusive issue of the world of work. It is a social, labor and political issue that considers human dignity. We believe those who ignore this reality, do not see the "transversal injustice" this is since it runs through all areas and economic levels. There are no women in a better position compare to others. This is everyone's commitment: men, women, workers, social movements, the popular economy,governments and employers. All committed. Because this is a persistent inequality situation and we have to try to eradicate it.

Nevertheless, violence and harassment in the world of work is a human rights' violation and we must recognize it as such. Therefore, for us, the prevalence of fundamental rights urges us to demand decent work and a better future for all.

Also, we continue demanding freedom of association, collective bargaining, non-discrimination,stop to forced labor, stop to child labor, equal conditions,with the possibility that women will have the place they deserve.

Finally, what is my message? It doesn't have to be presumptuous, but very humble. First thing I have to say is "thank you", to everyone who has fought. Thanks to all women. But, above all, I am proud of our fight. And I reaffirm that our struggle, our flags, our principles are focused to never give up. So, I do think the call is for "a better future for everyone." Let's work together for a better world.

Thank you, Marta for this wonderful conversation. I am looking forward to seeing the actions and hearing the voices of women workers in building, construction, wood and forestry sectors. Women workers have carried a greater burden and paid a greater price during the pandemic. Therefore, a just recovery is the one that promotes gender equality. This is our slogan today and, in the future,in our engagements on strategies, policies and recovery programmes. The fight continues. Thank you very much, Marta and to BWI Regional Office that also helps a lot.

Viva women workers! Viva the world! Viva to the future! and Viva to our fight!