Over twenty unionists and activists from across the Philippines came together for the C190 training in Manila on November 14 and 15, ahead of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (November 25–December 10). The participants represented seven global unions affiliated with the Council of Global Unions: EI, IDWF, IFJ, IndustriALL, ITUC, PSI and UniGlobal.
The training, organised by the Council of Global Union (CGU) LGBTI Coordinating Committee provided participants with practical tools on implementing the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention 190 to combat violence and harassment against LGBTI workers. As the first international treaty to recognise the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence, C190 offers a framework for unions and workplaces to create safer, more inclusive environments for everyone.
This was the third training session of its kind organized by the CGU LGBTI Coordinating Committee, with financial support provided by SASK. Previous sessions had been held in Colombia and during the ILGA World Trade Union Pre-Conference in South Africa in 2024. All training sessions used the comprehensive toolkit launched by global unions in 2024, which includes a facilitator’s guide and a participant workbook designed to raise awareness, encourage meaningful discussion and support proactive measures within trade unions and workplaces.
Facilitators from ITUC and IndustriALL delivered an energised and interactive training, with a strong focus on group-work, allowing participants to actively engage, share experiences, and learn diverse perspectives.
The programme began with a review of C190 implementations in the Philippines, underlining achievements as well as challenges that require further attention. One of the facilitators noted that “despite existing legislations being implemented in the country, there is no policy or program that specifically protects LGBTI communities. The Philippines is the first country in Asia that ratified this convention in February 2024. A proposed law has been filed in the House of Parliaments to fully implement the C190 expanding the current law, the “Safe Spaces Act”.
Participants workshopped a series of modules designed to both build knowledge and strengthen practical skills. These included Understanding C190, Review of key principles and core protections, Beyond Labels: Understanding LGBTI Identities, Visioning a Gender-based Violence free union and workspace, Turning Vision into Action: Making Protections Real and Challenging Resistance in the Union: From Resistance to Action.
As a collective, participants mapped out a strategy to translate learning into practical action. This included advocacy at the national level, coordinated campaigns, a system for ongoing communication and progress reporting, proposals for future learning sessions and concrete commitments to keep the collective momentum alive.
At the end of the session, participants reflected on the key learnings gained and the importance of remaining united. “Knowledge opens our eyes, and courage drives us to act. As young leaders, we unite to defend LGBTI workers and vulnerable communities, standing against violence, demanding justice, and ensuring workplaces are safe and dignified for all,” said Josh.
Neil, from the Federation of Free Workers, an affiliate to Education International (EI), also shared his views. “The Global Unions LGBTI C190 training underscores the importance of protecting all workers from violence and harassment by recognising the unique challenges faced by LGBTI workers. The training strengthens awareness, accountability and collective action, helping build work environments where respect, equality and inclusion are not just policies, but daily practice. LGBTI rights are human rights, Freedom without fear, safety without conditions and lives without discrimination.”
The facilitators brought the training to life by creating a safe space and an engaging and interactive environment that inspired participants to actively contribute. The working group’s focus and enthusiasm reflected a strong commitment to applying the lessons learned, with plans to replicate the training locally.
Next steps
The CGU LGBTI Coordinating Committee looks forward to continuing organising training sessions across the world, supporting trade unionists to advance safer, more inclusive workplaces for LGBTI workers.