A closer look at bullying in the workplace

In British Columbia, February 25 has been designated as Anti-Bullying Day, and CEIU locals responded. At local 20938 (CIC Vancouver) a noon-time Lunch and Learn session was held while in Victoria (local 20975) members wore pink to mark the day.

The pink theme developed through actions taken by Nova Scotia high school students to deal with bullying. In 2007, bullies at a school harassed a boy, calling him a homosexual for wearing a pink shirt. In response, other students organized a “wear pink” event for the following day to show their support for the victim. The tactic worked. A “sea of pink” greeted the victim, and the bullies went into full retreat.

The Canada-wide support for the action overwhelmed the students who organized the original event, but underscored the pervasive nature of the bullying problem – in workplaces as well as schools.

The training session in Vancouver was a joint effort of the Regional Diversity Committee and the local union. A guest speaker discussed the impact on victims, the role of witnesses to bullying and methods for dealing with the problem. According to Local President Allen Schofield, “The session was well-received by our members and we plan to do more in the future.”

In Victoria, members wore pink in recognition of Anti-Bullying Day. “It’s easy to send a message around bullying” said activist Mandi Schubert “and our members were more than willing to do it.”

By whatever name – bullying, persecution or harassment – CEIU supports members who are facing it. More information is available on this site or from your local steward or the National Union Representative responsible for your office.