After years of campaigning by the union movement, the federal government has finally ratified two important International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions: Convention No. 190 on Violence and Harassment, and Convention No. 138 on Minimum Age.
The ratification of these Conventions is a significant step forward in the fight for workers’ rights. It affirms Australia’s commitment to eliminating child labour in Australia, as well as violence and harassment against workers.
In practical terms, here is what these Conventions will mean for working Australians.
Convention No. 190 on Violence and Harassment
Convention No. 190 is a landmark Convention that recognises the right of all workers to be free from violence and harassment at work. It sets out a comprehensive framework for governments and employers to prevent, address and reduce the risks of violence and harassment at work.
The ratification of Convention No. 190 will mean that all workers in Australia will be protected from violence and harassment at work. This will include protection from physical, psychological and sexual violence and harassment.
The ratification of Convention No. 190 will also mean that employers will have a legal obligation to take steps to prevent violence and harassment at work. This includes providing training to employees on how to identify and respond to violence and harassment, and developing policies and procedures to deal with violence and harassment.
The ratification of Convention No. 190 has been described as major victory for the Australian union movement, which has been campaigning for its ratification for many years. The ACTU has played a key role in the development of the Convention, and in its implementation in Australia.
Convention No. 138 on Minimum Age
Convention No. 138 is an international treaty that sets a minimum age of 15 years for employment. It also prohibits the employment of children under the age of 14, except in certain limited circumstances.
The ratification of Convention No. 138 is a significant step forward for Australia in terms of protecting children from exploitation. The Convention will mean that children under the age of 15 will be prohibited from working in any type of employment, including in the informal economy.
The ratification of Convention No. 138 will also mean that employers will have a legal obligation to ensure that all employees are at least 15 years of age. This will help to prevent child labour and protect children from exploitation.
The ILO Minimum Age Convention is one of the ten ILO Conventions classified as ‘fundamental’, and a key international instrument in the fight to eliminate child labour and forced labour.
ACTU President Michele O’Neil described the ratification of Convention No. 138 as significant, if not “overdue.”
“Recent child labour law breaches by Muffin Break, Red Rooster, Cold Rock show the importance of strong standards that protect children from exploitation.”