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
3rd Vice President