ITF Policy on Mutual Respect

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The ITF is opposed to any discrimination based on colour, nationality, sex, race or creed.

Among trade unionists there is a very high degree of appreciation of the need to respect the dignity of every individual. Nevertheless in all organisations there should always be vigilance to ensure that all participants feel they are able to operate in an atmosphere in which they feel comfortable and safe.

The ITF is committed to creating and maintaining a working environment based on dignity and mutual respect. The ITF and its affiliates neither condone nor tolerate behaviour that undermines the dignity or self esteem of any individual or creates an intimidating, hostile, abusive or offensive environment. This commitment applies to all delegates and participants, women and men, in ITF meetings, activities and social gatherings wherever they may take place around the world.

As an employer the ITF has a legal as well as moral responsibility to protect its employees from any form of harassment, abuse or similarly unacceptable behaviour. This applies to the working environment in the London office and other ITF office locations and to ITF meetings wherever they are held. It also applies to social occasions where the attendance of ITF staff is linked to their employment and where the ITF is liable as an employer. ITF employees are encouraged to report any such incident.

It is recommended that the Secretariat should provide guidelines (below) for affiliates on the ITF Policy on Mutual Respect, which should be included as part of the documentation for all future ITF meetings.

Guidelines on the ITF Policy on Mutual Respect

The ITF is committed to creating and maintaining a working environment based on dignity and mutual respect. In all organisations there should always be vigilance to ensure that all participants feel they are able to operate in an atmosphere in which they feel comfortable and safe. This should apply to meetings, socialising and all the events around ITF activities.

What we ask of you

To treat everybody, including other delegates from ITF affiliates, as well as ITF staff members, with respect and dignity
To make absolutely sure your own behaviour does not cause offence or misunderstanding
To think before you make personal remarks
To accept responsibility for challenging all forms of unacceptable and offensive behaviour, and for upholding personal dignity

What is unacceptable behaviour?

Unacceptable behaviour includes unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct including the use of e-mail and any behaviour that ridicules, intimidates, or is physically abusive.

This may have as its focus such things as:

Race, ethnic origin, nationality, and skin colour
Gender and sexual orientation
Disabilities or sensory impairments
Age, health, or physical characteristics
Religious or political beliefs

This may involve such forms of unwanted behaviour as:

Unwanted physical contact
Physical or sexual assault
Sexual or compromising propositions
Racist, sexist or religious jokes
Offensive language, insults and obscene gestures
Unwelcome gifts
Intrusion by pestering or stalking

These lists are not definitive.

We are aware that among trade unionists there is a very high degree of appreciation of the need to respect the dignity of every individual. We welcome your cooperation in our practical efforts for making ITF meetings a positive experience for everyone.

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