Gender-Based Violence is NOT part of the job!

UFCW Canada has launched the #NotPartoftheJob campaign to help eliminate gender-based violence and address gender-based harassment and violence involving third parties that is on the rise. Governments, employers and unions must confront this issue together.

Third parties include customers, patients and members of the public. Risk for GBV is high amongst those working public-facing jobs, such as retail, health care and hospitality, sectors that are dominated by women and gender-diverse workers. 

Seven out of ten workers have experienced harassment and violence at work, often at the hands of third parties. That’s seven too many. Pervasive forms of discrimination and marginalization have led to higher rates of third-party violence in recent years, with 2SLGBTQI+ workers, Black, racialized, Indigenous workers, and those with disabilities more likely to be targeted. Hateful attacks against these groups are spilling over into the workplace, leaving workers feeling unsafe and afraid in a place they should feel comfortable in. 

ILO Convention No. 190 (C-190) is a global treaty, ratified in early 2023, that aims to eradicate violence and harassment in the workplace. It is the product of tripartite collaboration between unions, employer groups and governments. Now, it is everyone’s job to implement it and make work safer for everyone. 

The goal of #NotPartoftheJob is to raise awareness on gender-based violence and harassment in the workplace, with particular focus on third party actors. 

Violence and harassment should never be “just part of the job”. which is why UFCW is calling on employers and the government to work with unions on a plan to end third-party, gender-based violence at work once and for all. Be an ally. Add your strength to the #NoMore campaign through a short and anonymous survey. Anonymous results will be compiled and shared with employers, activists, and politicians to boost their commitment to ending gender-based violence in the workplace. 

National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence

Everyone has the right to live free from violence. However, many people in Canada continue to experience violence every day because of their sex, gender, gender expression or perceived gender identity. Gender-based violence (GBV) is one of the most pervasive, deadly and deeply rooted human rights violations of our time. GBV can take various forms, including physical, sexual, psychological, emotional and financial, and can be facilitated by technology.

Due to the overwhelming advocacy from GBV service providers and advocates, labour unions and survivors, on November 9, 2022, the Federal Government and Provincial and Territorial (FPT) Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women launched the 10-year National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.