Brussels, 15 January 2026 – The European Association of Co-operative Banks (EACB), together with the European Banking Federation (EBF), the European Savings and Retail Banking Group (ESBG) and UNI Europa Finance, today signed a new Joint Statement on preventing violence and harassment in the workplace.
This initiative highlights the continued commitment of the European Social Partners in the Banking sector to fostering workplaces that are safe, inclusive and respectful, free from all forms of violence and harassment.
Recognising the negative human, social and organisational impact of violence and harassment at work, the Social Partners underline that dignity and respect in the workplace are fundamental rights. They acknowledge the responsibility of employers for occupational health and safety, and refer to key EU legislations and international labour standards, including EU Directive 89/391/EEC and the ILO Convention No. 190.
The Joint Statement highlights the importance of social dialogue — including collective bargaining — as an effective tool to prevent, address and remedy incidents of workplace violence and harassment, including gender-based violence and digital or technology-enabled abuse. It also encourages banks across all business models to reinforce or establish comprehensive policies covering prevention, detection, reporting, remediation and access to support.
Nina Schindler, CEO of the EACB, said: “Cooperative banks have people at the heart of their business model. By endorsing this Joint Statement, we reaffirm that protecting employees’ dignity, safety and wellbeing is a shared responsibility and a fundamental prerequisite for a resilient, inclusive and sustainable banking sector. This commitment is not only about preventing harm — it is about fostering trust, motivation and a culture where employees feel supported and valued.”
“This joint statement is a testament to the power of dialogue and cooperation,” said Michael Budolfsen, President of UNI Europa Finance. “By jointly committing to these principles, we are creating workplaces where employees can thrive without fear of violence or harassment. It’s a concrete step forward for workers across Europe.”
“Every employee has the right to work in an environment where they feel safe, respected and valued,” emphasised Dr. Jens Thau, Chair of the EBF Banking Committee for European Social Affairs and Deputy General Manager for AGV Banken. “Violence and harassment have no place in our sector. Preventing them is not only a moral, but also a legal obligation and an economic imperative that strengthens trust and wellbeing, whilst ensuring an open and friendly working environment as a foundation for high-quality, long-term performance.”
Specific recommendations in the Joint Statement include:
• Integrating gender-sensitive approaches in occupational health and safety measures;
• Providing training and awareness-raising for employees, managers and supervisors;
• Ensuring clear procedures to detect, investigate and resolve complaints in a timely and confidential manner;
• Addressing new risks linked to digitalisation and remote work;
• Considering the impact of third-party and domestic violence on the workplace and facilitating access to specialist services.
The Social Partners call on their respective members at European, national, sectoral and company levels to make use of the Joint Statement, to cooperate with trade unions and works councils, and to share good practices.
The European Social Partners will continue monitoring developments and exchanging on this topic within the European Sectoral Social Dialogue structures, reaffirming that a safe working environment is a core value for the banking sector.