Training for union representatives in Armenia on addressing workplace violence and harassment

Yerevan, Armenia – June 21, 2024 – The International Labour Organization (ILO) conducted a specialized one-day training session on June 21, 2024, in Yerevan, aimed at empowering representatives of trade unions to foster and promote safe, healthy, and respectful working environments.

This training was designed by the ILO Decent Work Technical Support Team and Country Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia and the ILO Bureau for Workers’ Activities (ACTRAV) dedicated to equipping union representatives with the knowledge and skills necessary to proactively address the critical issues of violence and harassment and take action when violation happens in the workplace.

The training features opening remarks by Elen Manaseryan, Chairperson of the Confederation of Trade Unions of Armenia, Gocha Aleksandria, Senior Workers’ Specialist, Özge Berber-Agtaş, ILO Gender Equality and Non-discrimination Specialist, and Nver Sargsyan, Project Coordinator, “Promoting Implementation of Labour Rights in Armenia Together” ILO.

Union representatives play a pivotal role in creating and implementing policies and procedures that protect all workers. The training began by defining violence and harassment, explored their various forms, and discussed their root causes and impacts on both individuals and organizational culture. Participants will gain valuable insights into the preventative and corrective measures needed to combat these issues effectively.

Key components of the training include:

• Understanding the definitions and various forms of violence and harassment.
• Discussing the root causes and impacts on individuals and organizational culture.
• Learning about preventative and corrective measures to address workplace violence and harassment.
• Developing comprehensive workplace policies.
• Creating effective grievance mechanisms to ensure a robust system for addressing these issues.

By participating in this training, union representatives will be better equipped to implement and advocate for policies and procedures that promote a safe and respectful working environment, thereby enhancing the overall well-being and productivity of workers.

“This vital training will provide participants with the tools and knowledge essential to tackling these pressing issues, fostering safer and more respectful workplaces across Armenia. By delving into practical strategies and best practices, union representatives will enhance their capacity to advocate effectively for workers' rights, support affected individuals, and work collaboratively with employers to implement robust measures against workplace violence and harassment, thereby contributing to the overall improvement of labour conditions in Armenia.” highlighted Nver Sargsyan, ILO PILRAT Project Coordinator.

The one-day training session is taking place at the Confederation of Trade Unions of Armenia (CTUA) training premises in Yerevan, bringing together union representatives from various sector unions and CTUA Women’s Committee.

The training was organized by the ILO Project “Promoting Implementation of Labour Rights in Armenia Together” project (PILRAT).

The “Promoting Implementation of Labour Rights in Armenia Together” project, implemented by the ILO and financed by the US Department of Labor (USDoL), strives to enhance compliance with labour legislation and facilitate access to both judicial and non-judicial remedies in Armenia.