Author: Jennifer Savage

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Sexual harassment at work is unacceptable. The Law defines sexual harassment as unwelcome verbal,non-verbal or physical conduct of sexual nature or based on someone’s sex that affects working conditions or creates hostile work environment. Unwelcome means unwanted. For this reason it is important to communicate to the harasser that the conduct makes you feel uncomfortable and YOU WANT IT TO STOP!

Verbal and nonverbal conduct of sexual nature or based on sex. Here are some examples

Commenting about persons clothing, personal behavior, personal relationships or body.

• Making sexual or sex based jokes or innuendos.
• Requesting sexual favors or interactions.
• Spreading rumors about a person’s personal or sexual life.
• Threatening a person for rejecting or refusing sexual advances.
• Looking up and down or staring/leering at a person’s body.
• Making derogatory gestures or facial expressions of sexual nature.
• Following person around at work.

RUMORS AT WORKPLACE; ANOTHER FORM OF HARASSMENT

Spreading rumors at work about your coworkers creates conflict and harmful work environment. When we work together we need to keep in mind that rumors can harm others and effect lives. Rumors do not make anyone’s working relationship better. So is participating. Your coworkers may lose trust in you if it doesn’t stop. Whether a rumor is true or not, the outcome of spreading it can be damaging. Employers have a responsibility to try to control the spread of workplace rumors to ensure that the working environment is a respectful and safe place for all employees. Rumors are often spread due to a lack of communication, ignorance and unhealthy competition between employees. We all need to take serious steps to stop the gossip and rumors on the work floor to make our work place better for everyone.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

When you decide to take stand against any harassment, remember that every situation is different, and the outcome can be different then you had expected. There are many ways to report harassment. Reporting to your Union representative or supervisor is the first step. Your Union representative will help guide you towards the right direction and help you go through the appropriate steps.

A FEW THINGS TO REMEMBER IN THE EVENT YOU HAVE TO MAKE A COMPLAINT

• Tell the person him/her that their behavior offends you and it needs to stop.
• Write down what happened as soon as you experience any kind of harassment.
• Write down dates times and possible witnesses.
• Report the harassment if it’s possible for you, tell your Union representative and employer.
• Start paper trail; write down everything.

ALWAYS REMEMBER;if you are experiencing, or witness, Sexual harassment or any other form of harassment at work, speak up! All matters will be dealt in confidentiality. No one should be subject to harassment at their workplace whether it comes from a coworker or the employer.

In Solidarity,

Anju Parmar

3^rd Vice President            

Recently, I was informed by a member, about their unpleasant interaction with Mr. Dorian, Superintendent Shift 1, in the PPC parking lot.

Mr. Dorian who was awarded the title of Safety Ambassador and a coveted parking spot, acted disrespectfully during his interaction with a member. Mr. Dorian not only approached this member who had parked in the designated parking spot in an aggressive & unprofessional manner, but also blocked the member’s car with his car so they could not leave. Mr. Dorian who “supposedly” won the Safety Ambassador Program should have been promoting safety, rather than focusing their energy towards the CONVENIENCE OF A PARKING SPOT!”  In saying that, the safety ambassador became the BULLY standing and berating our member in public, rather than acting as an ambassador of safety – could the contest be rigged?

Following the altercation the member was visually shaken up. It didn’t stop there, this so called Ambassador of Safety directed shift 3 management to intervene and give this member a 24 hour notice of interview to discuss the member’s alleged disrespectful behavior. Proving once again that CPC management have little understanding surrounding safety and bullying.

I the undersigned, brought this issue to PPC director Laura Liberty. She agreed to meet with this member and myself to discuss this issue further. Ms. Liberty suggested a meeting with Mr. Dorian, to which this member agreed. In the meeting, the Corporation did not offer Union representation and stacked the room with 3 members of Management. The Corporation later stated that they wanted this matter to be resolved by way of the member accepting responsibility for their behavior and offering an apology. Mr. Dorian was directed by his bosses to reciprocate. CPC also stated that the member would not have a letter for the incident placed on their file. This incident reminds us all that PPC management, rather than promoting safety they made the issue about the parking spot.

I would like to remind everyone the Union does not support the Safety Ambassador Program at the PPC. This was initiated by a PPC Management and has been opposed by both the National and Local LJOSH committees.  PPC Management unilaterally decided to carry on with this program! This incident demonstrates yet again, that safety takes a back seat to pride, accolades and even ideology. The Union takes the health and safety of its members seriously. We advocate for safe working conditions aimed at improving our work environment not degrading it. We are all Safety ambassadors. If they want to reward safety then they must reward all of us equally because only together are we safe!

In Solidarity

Anju Parmar
3^rd Vice President