Türkiye Sağlık-İş Union Takes a Revolutionary Step Against Violence and Harassment at Work

ANKARA - Türkiye Sağlık ve Sosyal Hizmet İşçileri Sendikası (Türkiye Sağlık-İş) has taken a historic step in its struggle to protect the rights and improve the working conditions of women workers in the health and social services sector. Within the scope of the "Health Sector Empowered by Women's Labor" project, the union presented the "Zero Tolerance to Violence and Harassment in Working Life" policy document to the public, which takes a clear stance against violence and harassment in working life. The document, which was announced at a comprehensive training program in Ankara, provides a comprehensive roadmap for combating risks in the sector.

High Risk in the Health Sector: Violence from Physical to Digital

The health and social services sector, by its very nature, stands out as one of the areas with the highest risk of violence and harassment. The policy document draws attention to these risks created by the constant contact of healthcare workers with patients, relatives and public authorities. It emphasizes the urgent need to take comprehensive measures against physical and psychological violence, as well as economic, sexual and increasingly digital forms of violence. The document points out that factors such as shift working hours, staff shortages, high workload and emotional labor intensity pave the way for such incidents.

Compliance with International Conventions and Comprehensive Measures

The policy document is based on national and international regulations, particularly the International Labor Organization's (ILO) Convention 190, which prohibits violence and harassment at work. The document is more than just a statement of stance, it includes practical steps to move the union struggle into this area. Concrete measures are listed under many headings, ranging from the inclusion of anti-violence and harassment clauses in collective bargaining processes, the establishment of effective complaint and reporting mechanisms in workplaces, training and awareness-raising activities, and regular risk analyses.

The union will also establish data collection and monitoring mechanisms and regularly publish anonymized reports of violence and harassment cases. The training programs aim to raise awareness of members and workplace representatives against new threats such as digital violence and social media attacks.

The Right to Strike is a Critical Tool of Struggle

One of the most striking articles in the document is the union's recognition of the right to strike and collective action as a critical tool in the fight against violence and harassment. The policy text emphasizes that the right to strike and collective action, which is systematically restricted in the health and social services sector, is one of the most legitimate means of resistance against violence. Türkiye Sağlık-İş expresses its determination to fight for the full implementation of this constitutional right in the legal and administrative field.

The union's Headquarters Management has stated that this document will not only remain on paper, but will be integrated into all levels of the union and implemented meticulously. This step demonstrates once again that the union struggle is not only about wages and personal rights, but also about the right of workers to exist in a safe, dignified and egalitarian working environment. Türkiye Sağlık-İş will resolutely continue this struggle, strengthened by women's labor, with the principle "A work life free from violence is not just a demand; it is a fundamental human right."