European Banking Federation and European banking social partners publish joint statement on preventing workplace violence and harassment

The European Banking Federation, as part of the European Social Partners for the Banking Sector, issued a joint statement reaffirming the sector’s commitment to workplaces free from violence and harassment and setting out a joint, preventive approach. The statement frames dignity and respect at work as fundamental rights and points to employers’ primary responsibility for occupational health and safety, aligned with European Union legislation, international labour standards and national collective agreements. It emphasises social dialogue, including collective bargaining, as a tool to prevent, detect and address misconduct, supported by regular risk assessments, awareness initiatives and training for all employees, with particular focus on managers and supervisors. The approach also highlights gender-sensitive occupational health and safety measures, monitoring of technology-enabled harassment linked to digitalisation, and preventive and protective responses to third-party violence involving customers or clients. Where incidents occur, it calls for structured reporting, investigation and resolution procedures with confidentiality, impartiality and protection against reprisals, alongside access to medical, psychological, legal and social support. European Social Partners plan to continue promoting good practices, exchanging experience and monitoring progress through ongoing social dialogue at European, national and company level.