Today marks six years since the historic adoption of the International Labour Organization’s Convention 190 (C190) – the first international treaty recognising the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment.
Fifty countries have now ratified C190 – a clear indication that momentum is building. Together, we send an important message: violence and harassment in the world of work, including gender-based violence, must end. Angola became the 50th country to ratify the convention, reinforcing Africa’s leadership in the fight for safer workplaces.
This milestone comes despite a backdrop of global challenges – from the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crises to shifting political landscapes. Reaching 50 ratifications in such a context is not only a significant achievement but also proof that C190 is both ratifiable and practical. It shows that even in difficult times, governments can and must prioritise dignity, equality, and safety at work.
This is a landmark moment for workers everywhere, especially for transport workers, who are among the most exposed to violence and harassment and often work in isolated or insecure conditions. The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has been on the forefront of the campaign for C190, pushing for ratification, effective implementation, and education across sectors and regions with a gender transformative approach.
Transforming workplaces across borders
Since its adoption in 2019, C190 is reshaping how unions, employers, and governments approach workplace safety, equality, and dignity. With 50 ratifications, from countries across Africa, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia, the treaty is not only legally binding in those states but also driving legislative reforms and awareness campaigns globally.
“The ratification of C190 by 50 countries is not just symbolic – it's structural,” said Stephen Cotton ITF General Secretary. “It forces governments and employers to take responsibility for creating safe, respectful workplaces. For transport workers – especially women, and other marginalised groups – this is about equality, justice, and dignity.”
ITF in action: from global advocacy to local impact
The ITF has played a pivotal role in supporting unions to make C190 a lived reality, including through its ILO C190 Transport Workers’ Toolkit, a practical resource supporting unions educate and organise members, negotiate protections, and hold employers accountable and lobby governments.
‘The C190 Transport Toolkit is more than just a resource – it’s our tool to educate, organise, and mobilise transport workers to tackle the violence and harassment that run deep in our sector,” said Neha Prakash of ITF’s Women's Department. “This is about our shared right to equality, dignity, and safety at work. The time to organise is now.”
The toolkit includes:
- Briefings on issues that affect transport workers most significantly and what C190 can do to help
- Training materials for union reps
- Strategies to engage employers and governments
The work ahead: from ratification to real change
While 50 ratifications is a victory, millions of transport workers still face daily risks. The next frontier is implementation: ensuring that ratified commitments translate into workplace policies, laws, and enforcement.
ITF is calling on:
More countries ratifying and effectively implementing C190
Unions using the C190 toolkit to raise awareness and implement campaigns
Unions negotiating C190 language into workplace agreements and policy, regardless of ratification
Employers implementing the commitments of C190 throughout their supply chains
“As we celebrate this milestone, we remember that C190 is not the ceiling – it’s the foundation,” said Cotton. “Let’s keep building.”
Get involved
Join the ITF’s C190 campaign for a transport sector free from violence and harassment.
- Find resources on our website to strengthen your work for ratification and implementation of C190.
- Download the C190 Toolkit for Transport Workers
- Share your union’s success using #RatifyC190 and #ThisIsOurWorldToo
- Check which countries have ratified: C190 Ratification List – ILO NORMLEX
