In this regard, the Republic of Moldova will ratify the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 190 from 2019 on combating violence and harassment in the world of work and will align national legislation with its provisions.
ILO Convention No. 190 is the first international labor standard addressing violence and harassment in the world of work. Together with ILO Recommendation No. 206, it provides a clear and comprehensive framework for protecting victims of workplace violence and harassment. It also helps to foster equitable and socially just labor relations.
The Convention recognizes the right of everyone to work free from violence and sexual harassment and ensures the protection of workers both at the workplace and during their commute to and from work.
Currently, within the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, a working group is in place to oversee the procedures related to the ratification and implementation of the Convention in the Republic of Moldova. After ratification, all necessary changes will be made to harmonize national legislation with its provisions.
Additionally, labor inspectors are being trained to strengthen their professional capacity to handle cases of violence and harassment in the workplace. Starting in 2025, they will be empowered to establish offenses for employers' failure to apply measures to prevent and combat discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace, as well as for any attempts to obstruct the reporting of such cases.
At present, protection against workplace harassment is ensured by Article 10 of the Labor Code of the Republic of Moldova, which obliges employers to take preventive measures against sexual harassment in the workplace and to include provisions in the internal regulations of the unit regarding the prohibition of discrimination and sexual harassment.
Moreover, depending on the severity of the sexual harassment case, administrative and criminal sanctions can be applied, such as fines, deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or carry out certain activities, community service, or imprisonment.
To report cases of sexual harassment, victims can file a complaint with their employer or higher-ranking authority, the Equality Council, or the police.
Source: Ministry of Labor and Social Protection
