Prior to Weiner’s heartbreaking Press Conference, Emily Rooney went on WGBH and alleged that Weiner was an aggressive boss who verbally attacked her nephew and other members of his staff. Watch what she has to say for yourself:
[Press Release from EEOC]
WASHINGTON— At a meeting held today, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission heard testimony that age discrimination is causing the nation’s older workers to have a difficult time maintaining and finding new employment, a problem exacerbated by the downturn in the economy. The number and percentage of age discrimination charges filed with the EEOC have grown, rising from 16,548 charges — 21.8 percent of all charges — filed in fiscal year 2006, to 22,778 —24.4 percent — in fiscal year 2009. Continue reading
I became a co-founder of the fledgling cyber-group called the International Educational Coalition on Workplace Bullying. I’m excited that the Coalition allows me to join so many others in freely promoting critical discussion, context and analysis of all the research taking place and how it impacts the overall understanding and prevention of hostile work environments. Everyone visiting our Facebook Page is encouraged to add their own opinion and approach. Do I personally agree with everyone who posts on the site? No, and I’m proud to say that even the three of us who originally founded the IECWB don’t agree on all aspects of the issue and encourage everyone visiting the site to have that same healthy discourse. Our International focus has allowed different perspectives, coupled with personal experiences, to come together on one page. It’s been eye opening to see how even countries with Workplace Bullying legislation in place are still struggling to define the best resolutions.
We bring together psychologists, lawyers, researchers, business & Human Resource representatives, advocates and victims to create a forum for all our voices. And, there are so many things to discuss, below is just a sampling:
Support of strong Workplace Violence legislation that includes Workplace Bullying (Type 3 Workplace Violence) and making the link to Type 4 which includes Domestic Violence in the workplace as well as specific issue Workplace Bullying bills
Strengthening OSHA health harming protections
Strengthening Workers Compensation and how it can help targets currently suffering
Exploring Arbitration, ADR & Mediation as a way for targets to find relief
Putting aside the demonization of HR and Business owners and creating a true dialogue with those that want to support us
Discussing the types of policies and approaches that are actually effective and encourage a healthy workplace that discourages bullying behavior.
Staying current with evolving research in PTSD, Stress, Anxiety Disorders
Please take a moment to visit the IECWB site to find information, share information, and join the global discussion.
Here’s a link to our Press Release if you are interested in learning more about the IECWB. http://prlog.org/10829919
Several major publications have recently posted articles on the topic…hopefully this means victims will start getting the attention they deserve and a better law. As someone whose life was turned upside down by an abusive boss all I can say is — it’s about TIME. I’ve been making documentaries for 20 years that have been well received at major film festivals and on TV (HBO, PBS etc). Last year I launched an online documentary about the struggle to pass legislation to stop abusive bosses. This is probably the hardest of all the topics I’ve taken on. The stigma attached to victims makes it difficult for people to take seriously. And the mainstream press rarely goes beyond the “go to” sites to do some real in depth reporting…it’s much more complicated than the ‘branding’ that’s out there.
This week the New York Times reported that a young Chinese factory worker jumped to his death from his dorm window. He worked 11 hours a day, 7 days a week for about $1 an hour. A demotion left him cleaning toilets. He was one of 10 workers from the same company who committed suicide and media attention has resulted in several large pay increases for employees. Continue reading
EEOC data shows that the total number of charges of discrimination in the workplace based on “age,” “national origin” and “religion” have risen dramatically since 1997. And Judging from the rapid growth of “retaliation” claims, it looks like speaking out still carries great risks. Continue reading
OUR BULLY PULPIT 