A picture is worth a thousand words.
What does harassment look like to the un-initiated?
Go to
This 4 minute video goes into some detail about what harassment looks like and what its potential impacts are.
The Canadian government is in on the act through the Canadian Human Rights Commission.
Didn't know that the right to a safe working environment was a human right in this country?
Think again.
You have the right to work in an abuse free work environment.
If your work environment doesn't meet that standard, guess what.....?!!
Your employer and, perhaps your colleagues, are on the hook for damages.
Go to
Defend yourself
My advice is that you start keeping a log of what you perceive is happening. It doesn't need to be detailed -minute by minute. But what you ought to do is to note:
- episodes,
- dates and times and
- who is present.
If you are married, or have a partner, tell him or her. A good partner will be your advocate and will notice if:
- you aren't sleeping,
- your appetite is off,
- you are lethargic,
- you are being self isolating
- you are self loathing
- you are distracted and moody.
Are you ill? Not your usually cheery robust self?
Your body never lies. A good indication that things aren't great is if you develop shingles.
Don't hesitate to go to your family physician. Tell him or her what is happening. (S)he may not be Marcus Welby MD but they do keep records, they do take you seriously and, they will send you on for another assessment.
Forget the usual company EAP program. These are short term, often fail to diagnose the problem and usually don't have the competence to know when they are in over their heads.
HR-a waste of time
Companies have the usual anti harassment policy. A part of the policy is that you, the victim , file a complaint usually to HR, who then may-or may not-do an internal investigation. My experience is that HR professionals are a bunch of boobs-certainly in the public service. The investigation never amounts to anything.
If you are unionized, go directly to your shop steward. Unions have a good reputation defending their members.
Not sure about where they stand? In a previous post, I gave a link for CUPE.
Not sure about where they stand? In a previous post, I gave a link for CUPE.
Use it. CUPE has a handbook which provides excellent guidance.
cupe.ca/stop-harassment-guide-cupe-locals
cupe.ca/stop-harassment-guide-cupe-locals
A great union!
If you are non unionized, go directly to a lawyer who specializes in this kind of litigation. Do not ..I repeat... do not go to you sister's friend's husband who happens to be a lawyer.
The Lawyer-choose wisely
One size does not fit all.
And, some lawyers are a lot better than others.
If the guy does not take you seriously in the 1st 15 minutes, leave.
Shop.
Ask for references before you go in.
If you do see a lawyer, bring:
- your log,
- your physician's telephone number,
- a copy of your HR file
- you portfolio
- your log
Why your HR file??
Your file should contain your performance appraisals, an organization chart (where do you report in the structure), your work plan (if you have one) and your job description. Is there any work of which you are proud , for which you have earned praise in the organization and which was filed on your file?
Bring a sample, if you can.
Why your portfolio?
What is this??
Another name for it is a brag book. It is popular nowadays with people out job searching. It gives a prospective employer an idea of what you can do. There are lots and lots of examples of how to organize this, on the 'net. Typically it includes:
- your org chart
- your job description
- work samples not just from your current job but also from other jobs.
- letters of commendation
My advice is to make it colourful.
The visit-not an in and out experience
Don't expect Perry Mason or some slick bastard out of The Wire or even Saul Goodman. Expect a guy who may want to represent you but who might not immediately see that you are in the pain you are.
So, what questions should you answer even if (s)he doesn't ask them?
Work assignment
1) has work been assigned unfairly? Just saying that you don't think its fair won't cut it.
Demonstrate it.
Is your workload larger than others? And, is the workload being increased? How? What?
2) have you done good work that isn't ever acknowledged? What? How do you know it was any good? Did an outsider commend it formally?
Disrespect
3) are you subjected to ridicule privately or publicly?
Take a look at the Human Rts video above.
have you been disciplined publicly? When? Who was present?
4) has your work been discussed in meetings without you present? Have your colleagues been invited to comment on your work outside of your presence? Can you get quotes?
5) have you been isolated? Not invited to program functions, social functions, educational opportunities?
Appraisal
6) are your colleagues invited to evaluate your performance anonymously during the annual performance appraisal process?
7) does the performance appraisal lack substance? Your supervisor can't point to any facts which suggest that you have under-performed. In fact, you may find that the appraisal has nothing to do with your annual work plan.
8) does your supervisor not give credit where credit is due? As above, be prepared to support yourself.
Threats
9) does your supervisor refuse to meet with you to go over work or to address any questions you may have about the work?
10) have you been threatened? This can be subtle. And, you may be so surprised, that it won't immediately register. Has your supervisor warned you that the last person who was assigned this project lost his/her job for poor performance?
11) have your colleagues berated you at a meeting and as a group?
12) has a colleague called you at home out of work hours to berate you?
13) has a colleague berated you in front of your supervisor and while the supervisor said nothing?
Fair Pay
14) has merit pay been with held without explanation?
A final word of advice if you go the lawyer route.
Bring your partner.
Nothing is more powerful than a concerned and angry partner!!!!
The next blog will deal with preventive measures. That is, how do you avoid such employers in the first place?
Have heart!
Its remarkably easy.
See you in a few days.
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