Tag Archives: legislation

A plea to fellow fighters of Workplace Bullying

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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

Documentary features NY fight for Workplace Bullying Law

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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.

(Click here to see videos)

NY’s Healthy Workplace Bill done for this year

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Assemblyman Englebright’s office called to say that the Labor Committee held A5414b.  They do expect to reintroduce legislation next January and in the meantime will look at the language definitions within the bill.   Continue reading →

NY Sponsor of Healthy Workplace Bill says decision is less than an hour away

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Assemblyman Englebright’s office says they expect to know by 1pm today whether or not the bill moves forward they will address concerns by business lobbyists that language in the bill needs to be more clearly redefined.   There have been a number of groups who have sent opposition memos including this one:

There are a number of federal and state laws on the books today that already provide a sufficient avenue of redress. This legislation, however, does not address any inadequacies of these current protections but, rather, develops a “civility code” in the workplace which would now open every comment, perceived slight, performance review, disciplinary action and termination for review by the courts. [Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce]

Growing charges of work discrimination: “Age”, “Religion”, and “National Origin”

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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 →

NY’s Workplace Bullying Legislation Could Fill Gap In Current Workplace Violence Policy

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Some time ago NY passed a Workplace Violence policy to protect public employees and part of that law includes worker-on-worker violence.  But, Matt London of PEF, one of the main people crafting the policy, says: “the current law only covers bullying if there is a physical assault or the explicit threat of physical violence.”  Instead they are “strongly encouraging agencies to have their programs include a broader definition of workplace violence, one which includes bullying.”   The Healthy Workplace Bill recently passed in the NY State Senate and now waiting for a vote on the Assembly side is expected to fill that gap — and it protects private employees as well!