Bullying, harassment and victimization are very common problems affecting many of our members at work. However, all employees should have the right to work in a safe environment. Bullying includes offensive, intimidating, malicious, or insulting behaviour, abuse of authority which violates the dignity of an individual or a group of people, creating a hostile environment against an individual or the undermining, humiliation or injury of an individual. Harassment is defined as unwanted conduct that has the purpose or effect of violating the dignity of people in the workplace or of creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment. Victimisation is commonly used to mean any treatment which a person thinks is unfair or unequal and makes him/her feel like a victim. However, victimisation in accordance with the Equal Opportunity Act is very specific and only occurs when the person alleging victimisation has made allegations, given testimony or brought proceedings against the perpetrator.

You can employ the following steps if you are being bullied, harassed or victimized at work:

• Keep a written record or diary of all bullying incidents, including past incidents no matter how small they appear;
• Speak to the bully or harasser if you can. He/She may not have realised how distressing the actions are to you. A PSA Section representative will be able to assist you in this process.
• Contact the PSA at 226-5059 or via our website at www.psatrinbagott.org
• Become a PSA Section representative to help reduce bullying and harassment in your workplace.