Bullying in the Workplace – Not just a schoolyard problem

Bullying is no longer just a school yard problem, it’s an issue many adults deal with as well.  Even the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) management has been affected.  There have been several TDSB trustees come forward with complaints of bad behaviour including bullying and verbal harassment, according to an article in the Toronto Star.

The article describes several incidents of workplace bullying and harassment and in many of the incidents complaints were lodged with the board’s Code of Conduct Committee, but no action was taken.

Trustee Sam Sotiropoulos said he has witnessed several incidents where Director Donna Quan has been bullied and badgered.  He made the accusations via Twitter, and in an interview said part of the problem is that Code of Conduct Committee members are themselves the subject of complaints.  Many trustees have been pushing the board to hire an outside integrity commissioner to deal with the accusations and complaints.

Everyone has the right to work in a safe and healthy environment.  Every workplace must have a policy which should include measures and procedures for dealing with workplace violence as set out in the Occupational Health and Safety Act.  More information about preparing a workplace violence program can be found on the MOL website.

Employers, supervisors and unions have a responsibility to prevent and address harassment prohibited under the Ontario’s Human Rights Code.  Workplace violence and harassment training is a great way to ensure your workplace knows how to deal effectively with violent or harassing individuals avoiding the need for mediation, poisonous work environments and ongoing employment issues into the future.

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