On 5 January 2024, the Government enacted the so-called Karin Law (in honour of Karin Bolaños, a worker who tragically took her own life after falling victim to workplace harassment) against workplace harassment.
The law applies to all companies, regardless of size, and includes regulations relevant to the State Administration and its multiple agencies.
It aims to set a legal framework for a safe and healthy work environment, not only punishing workplace and sexual harassment but also preventing them with education and protocols.
On 17 November 2023, the New York Governor signed Bill S4516 into law.
It amends Section 5-336 of the New York General Obligations Law with immediate effect and further restricts the use of nondisclosure agreements concerning the resolution of employment discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims.
It applies to all agreements signed or entered into after 17 November 2023.
On 9 May 2023, the Minister of Manpower ("MoM") issued Decree No. 88 of 2023 on Guidelines for the Prevention of and Response to Sexual Harassment in the Workplace, updating the previous guidelines in force since 2011 (MOM Decree No. SE.03/MEN/IV/2011).
The Guidelines identify actions employers should take to prevent and address sexual harassment in the workplace effectively.
On 15 May 2023, a new regulation modifying the protection against retaliation of discrimination and violence, moral or sexual harassment at work was published in the Belgian State Gazette.
The new rules, required to comply with the relevant European directives, came into force on 1 June 2023.
On 10 January 2023, the National Assembly of Ecuador passed the Organic Law to Promote the Violet Economy, aiming to achieve equal treatment and rights between men and women and to prevent and eradicate gender-based violence.
It came into effect on 20 January after its publication in the Official Register.