Gender-Based Violence

For many women, trans, and non-binary workers, violence and harassment is a daily reality. 

Violence and harassment at work is a disturbing and growing phenomenon. A recent study by Canada’s unions and researchers found:

• 7 in 10 workers have experienced harassment and violence at work.
• Nearly 1 in 2 workers have experienced sexual harassment and violence in the past two years.
• Women, trans, and nonbinary workers experience higher rates of harassment and violence, as do Indigenous workers and workers with a disability.
• Third-parties such as customers, clients, and patients are among the most common perpetrators.

Today and every day, workers are saying #NeverAgain: End Gender Based Violence at Work.

Since the pandemic began, rates of third-party violence and harassment against frontline workers have increased–often at the hands of the people they care for, serve, and support. Yet governments and employers have taken little action—and there remains a huge gap in Canadian legislation in terms of third-party violence.

Everyone deserves to feel safe at home, in their communities, and at work. It’s time for urgent action to address harassment and violence at work, starting with the implementation of International Labour Convention 190–an important global treaty which would help make work safer.