The agreement condemns all forms of harassment and violence and refers to the employer's duty to protect workers. Companies are obliged to set out procedures to follow when cases of harassment or violence arise. These can include an informal stage involving a person trusted by management and the workforce.
The agreement expects complaints to be investigated and dealt with quickly and the principles of dignity, confidentiality, impartiality and fair treatment to be respected. It underlines that appropriate measures should be taken against the perpetrator, including disciplinary action up to dismissal, while the victim will receive support with reintegration, if needed.
The next step is for the national social partners in all EU Member States to implement the agreement over a period of three years. This is the third "autonomous" framework agreement of the social partners, following those on telework (2002) and work-related stress (2004).
According to the Fourth European Working Conditions Survey (by the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions in Dublin), one in 20 workers (5%) reports having been exposed to bullying and/or harassment in the previous 12-month period. A similar proportion states having been personally victim of violence, although more workers are affected by violence from people outside the workplace (4%) than from fellow workers (2%).
Women, white-collar workers and employees of larger companies are reported to be more exposed to risks related to harassment and violence. The most affected sectors are health and social work, education, public administration, transport as well as hotels and restaurants.
For more information see the text of framework agreement on harassment and violence at work