Karin Law and sensationalism

Mr Director:

There is concern about the lack of knowledge spread by the media when addressing the Karin Law. In summary, the Law requires companies to prevent, investigate, and sanction sexual harassment, workplace harassment, and workplace violence. Sexual and workplace harassment have been regulated for years. Regarding the latter, the law adds that a single act may constitute harassment. The novelty lies in workplace violence, which includes harm to workers caused by third parties. Therefore, the new aspect is not the standard of acceptable behavior but the legal requirements imposed on companies. However, the media have stated that as of August, these behaviors would be banned, that the law contains a long list of punishable behaviors, and even that it creates labor crimes. This has led to the misunderstanding that the law sanctions actions as simple as changing a worker’s position.

The law does not seek to limit labor relations or the employer’s authority but rather reminds us that these should occur in a context that respects workers’ rights. Nor does it aim to eliminate dialogue as the primary instance of dispute resolution. It simply provides an additional tool: the complaint.

Constanza Ríos

Director of the labor area at Lembeye

Source: Diario Financiero