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According to a survey conducted by Angus Reid, 43 per cent of Canadian women say they have been sexually harassed at work. “Two thirds of our 130,000 members are women." — Warren (Smokey)Thomas.
Toronto (15 April 2016) — The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) has released a series of cutting-edge videos that continue its long-standing commitment to fighting sexual harassment in the workplace. OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas screened the videos in front of more than 2,000 members at the union’s annual convention in Toronto on April 14.
We all have a responsibility to speak out against harassment whenever we see it
“The goal of these videos is both to educate people and to encourage them to speak up when they see harassment in the workplace,” Thomas said. “It is not solely up to the victim to report an incident. We all have a responsibility to do something if we observe our co-workers being harassed in any way.”
The powerful and engaging videos are shot from three points of view — that of the perpetrator, the victim, and the bystander (watch here). Hurtful workplace gossip is the subject of two more videos (click here).
“We produced these videos to raise awareness, to educate staff, our members, and the general public, and to empower people to speak up,” Thomas said. “I’m hoping these videos will be shared far and wide.”
43% of Canadian women say they have been harassed at work
On April 14, OPSEU/NUPGE members wore pink ribbons to mark International Day of Pink held every year to raise awareness about bullying. Teal ribbons were also distributed to raise awareness about sexual harassment and sexual assault.
According to a survey conducted by Angus Reid, 43 per cent of Canadian women say they have been sexually harassed at work. “Two thirds of our 130,000 members are women,” said Thomas. “We take any threat to women’s well-being very seriously. Whether it’s fighting sexual harassment in the workplace or challenging the gender wage gap, OPSEU/NUPGE is committed to advocating for the rights of all women.”
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 360,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE