By Bob Barnetson The recent spate of sexual harassment allegations has triggered a couple of articles examining the role of human-resource departments. The crux of the analysis is that HR shops are intended to advance the employer’s interest. Not surprisingly, a key employer interest is mitigating liability. When proactive measures (such as codes of conduct) Continue readingHarassment and HR: Whose side are you on?
sexism
By Robert Devet It’s been a long and difficult battle for justice for former HRM firefighter Liane Tessier, but this coming Monday the City of Halifax and Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency will finally issue an apology. As well, Tessier will receive a settlement of an undisclosed amount. Tessier was an ambitious volunteer firefighter who Continue reading#MeToo Halifax firefighter vindicated
By Jane Slaughter Sexual harassment doesn’t happen just to glamorous women in glamorous industries. Since sexual harassment is about power, not sex, it’s not surprising that low-wage women in lousy jobs get a lot of it. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission says the restaurant industry is the largest source of sexual harassment claims. In a Continue readingNo Casting Couch for Low-Wage Women, But Lots of Sexual Harassment
By Daniel Tseghay The Tyee recently ran a series on the experiences of retail, food and beverage, and hospitality workers, and their experiences of harassment on the job. One of the articles, “Slaps, Gropes and Comments ‘Non-stop’” by Rachel Sanders, noted that 80 per cent of food and beverage servers are women and they experience Continue readingSupreme Court decision will impact BC workers facing discrimination and harassment
By Sonia Singh When we think of the biggest issues at work, wages and benefits usually top the list. But in many industries, sexual harassment and assault are huge concerns—even if nobody’s talking about it. Workers who experience harassment on the job can file charges with the federal Equal Employment Opportunities Commission, but they face Continue readingBreaking the Silence on Sexual Harassment
By Denise Leduc One year ago the newly elected Prime Minister Trudeau made headlines around the world when he appointed a gender balanced cabinet. Later when asked about this he famously quipped, “Because it’s 2015”. This soundbite garnered international attention and seemed hopeful for women in the workplace. Now in the last part of 2016, Continue readingBecause it’s 2016…
My endless battle for workplace safety “It has been a long four years and even though we now have a lawyer, not much has happened, which is very frustrating,” reads a recent email from a former co-worker. Almost a decade later, specific workers are still being harassed in my seriously toxic former workplace. What happened Continue readingForced out by a broken system
By Samantha Ponting A workplace can become so toxic for a woman, and other genders that commonly face violence and discrimination, that the easiest escape is often to quit the job. I spoke with a friend last week who was complaining about how all her male co-workers belittle her and don’t value her opinions. When Continue readingStories of sexism in the workplace
Callout for testimonials In recent weeks, news headlines are full of stories about sexism and harassment in the workplace. RankandFile.ca is seeking testimonials of workers and the unemployed who have experienced sexism. We would like to bring these issues to light through publication on RankandFile.ca’s website in an effort to educate workers about sexism and Continue readingAre you a worker that’s experienced sexism?