International Union and Business Leaders Discuss Workplace Bullying

Employers, labour, health and safety reps and human resources specialists from across Canada, the US, Japan and the United Kingdom are in Halifax for a major convention. Up for discussion at the first International Bully-Free Workplaces Conference will be the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace. The health and safety officer at the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union, Paul Cormier, says it makes a lot of sense to eliminate bullying by both employees and business managers. He tells us: “Its the right thing to do obviously from an overhauled mental health point of view. However, from a business point of view, it just makes good business sense. You have less absenteeism, better productivity with respect to the workplace. So, there is certainly some cost recovery on that side as well.” Among those speaking at the 3 day convention will be NSGEU President, Joan Jessome, who has spearheaded the creation and continued development of the NSGEU Bully-Free Workplaces Program.