February 1, 2017 at 2:30 PM
STAND UP TO BULLYING
February 22, 2017 marks Pink Shirt Day. This day can be like any other day or it can be one where you take a stand and say "no" to workplace bullying.
Bullying is often thought of as a schoolyard problem, but it's not. Bullying can occur in any place and at any time. It is harmful and pervasive behaviour toward another person (or persons) done primarily on a repeated basis. It is behaviour the offending person knows is offensive or that they ought reasonably to know is unwelcome.
Much of our work life can be frustrating with management and others telling us what to do and when to do it. But bullying and harassment are different. It’s about how we are treated and how we treat others in the course of our day while trying to do our job and/or simply get through the day. It includes repeated taunts, sarcasms and demeaning behaviours that unnecessarily ridicules, ostracizes or harms another person.
One of the most effective ways to combat bullying is to be a good bystander. This means that when you see what you believe is bullying behaviour you say something. For example, "I don’t think Mary was happy with how you spoke to her" or "I didn’t find what you had to say about John to be helpful" puts the offender on notice that you will not accept the behaviour.
Let's all take a stand against bullying. On February 22nd, let it be known you will be a good and proactive bystander when you witness bullying.
Share your stories and pictures with us at [email protected] or tweet them using #pinkshirt2002. We will post your pictures and stories in the weeks following Pink Shirt Day.
In Solidarity,
Cate Moss
Unifor 2002 National Human Rights Coordinator
Learn more about Pink Shirt Day
/17-02-01 Pink Shirt Day 2017 HTML en.txt