The law brings national legislation in line with the International Labor Organization’s Convention on the Elimination of Violence and Harassment at Work.
The document enshrines for the first time clear definitions of violence and harassment, including psychological, sexual, economic and digital forms. Such acts are recognized as unacceptable regardless of their frequency, intensity or the official position of the person who commits them.
MP Angela Munteanu-Pojoga emphasized that the new norms send an unambiguous message to society: violence and harassment can no longer be ignored, hushed up or justified with the phrases “this is how it is done” or “it was a joke”.
“The key changes are that violence and harassment have been given clear legal definitions, including online forms. Employee protections are not limited to the workplace and extend to travel, training, professional events and work-related communications. Employers are required to implement internal policies and effective grievance mechanisms. These changes are a step towards dignity, respect and equality in the workplace. A safe environment is a right, not a privilege,” the MP said.
The ban also applies to employer-provided transportation and accommodation.
Considerable attention in the law is paid to the obligations of employers. Organizations with at least 50 employees are required to develop internal policies to prevent and combat violence and harassment, establish confidential complaint mechanisms and appoint authorized persons or commissions to investigate such cases. Employers with fewer employees must apply proportionate, effective measures to protect employees.
The law establishes a clear procedure for filing and investigating complaints. Investigations may not last more than 30 days, with the possibility of a one-time extension for a further 15 days. Temporary protections for victims and witnesses are provided, as well as strict guarantees of confidentiality.
Legal liability has also been strengthened. Employers may be required to compensate for material and moral damages caused by failure to provide a safe working environment. Perpetrators of violence or harassment are subject to disciplinary, administrative, criminal or material liability.
Law No. 194 as of July 10, 2025 on amending the Labor Code of the Republic of Moldova (adjusting the legislation to the provisions of the Convention of the International Labor Organization) was published in the Official Monitor on August 14, 2025 and entered into force on January 1, 2026.
